On May 7, 2025, approximately thirty French elected officials from the extreme left and center are set to participate in commemorations in Algiers marking the 80th anniversary of the Setif massacre, a brutal retaliation by French colonial forces against independentist protesters on May 8, 1945. This delegation's visit is significant, not only as a remembrance of a tragic chapter in history but also as an attempt to mend fraught Franco-Algerian relations.
The Setif massacre, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of Algerians during protests celebrating the end of World War II, remains a contentious issue. While Algerians claim that as many as 45,000 people were killed, French estimates vary between 1,500 and 20,000. In 2020, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared May 8 as a "Day of Memory" to honor those who suffered during this period, further emphasizing the need for acknowledgment and reconciliation.
Laurent Lhardit, the president of the France-Algeria friendship group at the National Assembly and a member of the delegation, articulated the purpose of this visit. "Our work is on the long term. It is the responsibility of parliamentarians to pursue a relationship and friendship between France and Algeria. This trip to Algiers should mark that as well," he stated. His comments reflect a desire among certain French lawmakers to show that France recognizes its historical responsibilities regarding its colonial past.
However, the current diplomatic relations between France and Algeria are strained. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot noted that the relationship is at a standstill, attributing some of the blame to Algerian authorities. Tensions have escalated since a diplomatic crisis erupted in July 2024, following France's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. This led to the expulsion of twelve agents from the Algerian diplomatic network in France and the recall of the French ambassador to Algeria.
The delegation, which includes members like Fatiha Keloua Hachi, Danielle Simonnet, and Belkhir Belhaddad, will commemorate the "Other May 8, 1945"—a term used to describe the events in Algeria that day. They aim to push for an official acknowledgment of the massacres committed during that time. In a press release, the parliamentarians emphasized the importance of memorial work and recognition of colonial crimes by the highest authorities in France to help restore Franco-Algerian relations.
As the delegation prepares for their visit, they are also accompanied by about twenty local elected officials, including members of the Cercle Emir Abdelkader, a group of Franco-Algerian intellectuals. This gathering will not only serve as a commemoration but also as a platform for dialogue amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions.
One of the more poignant aspects of this visit is the ongoing detention of Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer who has been imprisoned in Algeria for over 170 days. Sansal, who is 80 years old and suffering from cancer, has become a symbol of the strained relationship between the two nations. His daughters recently reached out to French parliamentarians, urging them to advocate for his release, stating, "The spirit of justice makes the greatness of France." This situation adds another layer of complexity to the already tense diplomatic landscape.
While the French government grapples with the legacy of its colonial past, the upcoming commemorations reflect a desire among some lawmakers to engage in a "work of memory". Deputy Sabrina Sebaihi remarked on the importance of this delegation, noting that where the government may be blocked, parliamentary diplomacy continues to function. She highlighted the mutual willingness for this delegation to proceed, indicating that visas have been granted and Algeria has agreed to the visit.
As the date approaches, anticipation grows regarding the impact of this visit on Franco-Algerian relations. Many hope that acknowledging historical injustices could pave the way for a more constructive dialogue between the two nations. However, skepticism remains, particularly in light of the recent diplomatic crises and the unresolved fate of individuals like Boualem Sansal.
The delegation is scheduled to participate in a formal commemoration in Algiers on May 8, followed by a trip to Sétif on May 10, 2025. This trip serves as a reminder of the importance of memory and acknowledgment in the pursuit of reconciliation and understanding.
Ultimately, the actions taken by these French lawmakers may not only honor the victims of the Setif massacre but could also signify a step towards healing the wounds of the past and fostering a more amicable relationship between France and Algeria.
