Algiers, DZWatch – Algeria has inaugurated an international conference focused on the criminalization of colonialism in Africa. The high-profile event, attended by prominent African figures and continental representatives, marks a significant step towards defending the historical memory of African nations.
The conference boasts a distinguished diplomatic presence, including the Angolan Minister of Foreign Affairs, the African Union’s Secretary-General Tete Antonio, and Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye. Also participating are Algeria’s Secretary of State for African Affairs, Salma Bekhta Mansouri, Minister of Communication, Zohir Bouamama, and Minister of State, Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Said Saioud. The presence of the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly, Ibrahim Boughali, and the President of the Council of the Nation, Nasseri Azzouz, alongside members of the diplomatic corps and legal experts, underscores the high-level diplomatic nature of the conference. This reflects Algeria’s commitment to leading efforts to promote historical justice and hold colonial powers accountable internationally.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Attaf, stated that the conference is held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who has made defending African memory and confronting attempts to distort it a central pillar of Algerian diplomatic vision. Attaf emphasized that Algeria, in line with the outcomes of the recent African Union summit in February, continues to solidify its leading role in promoting historical justice and holding colonial powers accountable internationally, reflecting a steadfast diplomatic vision based on the principles of liberation and African solidarity.
Attaf reiterated that Algeria, having suffered from the crimes of French colonialism – including massacres, atrocities, and nuclear experiments – understands the profound impact of colonialism on peoples. It draws inspiration from the sacrifices of its martyrs, embodying a commitment to liberation principles and defending the right of peoples to self-determination. The conference is expected to produce concrete proposals for international legal mechanisms to address colonial-era crimes and support reparations for affected communities.
