Algiers – Historian Benjamin Stora, who previously headed the French side of the joint commission of historians, has called for the reactivation of the ‘Memory Workshop’ between Algeria and France. The workshop, designed to address the lingering wounds of colonialism, has been suspended since the summer of 2024.
Stora argues that confronting the legacy of colonialism is no longer simply a political choice but a pressing necessity driven by evolving social and political landscapes in both nations. In an article published in La Croix, Stora emphasized that as descendants of this shared history become more involved in public life, denying the past becomes increasingly untenable, and the impulse to remain silent diminishes. He warned that ignoring historical wounds will only perpetuate their impact on bilateral relations.
Despite the release of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal and France’s hopes for the release of journalist Christophe Glayse following an appeal, Stora believes these actions are insufficient to rebuild eroded trust between the two countries. Glayse’s seven-year prison sentence, upheld by an Algerian court in Tizi Ouzou on charges related to ‘praising terrorism,’ has sparked dismay in France, which has repeatedly called for his release and return to his family, despite ongoing legal cooperation and appeals from his lawyers.
Stora highlights the unique nature of Algerian history, noting that Algeria was not merely a typical colony but was annexed in the 19th century as ‘three interior departments’ after a prolonged and brutal conquest spanning over five decades. This was accompanied by settler colonialism, which allowed the French narrative to promote the idea of a ‘civilizing mission,’ while the Algerian narrative focused on resistance and the restoration of national identity. This divergence in historical accounts perpetuates an open wound and complicates reconciliation between the two nations.
The French historian suggests that addressing current disputes requires revisiting the roots of the conflict: the 19th-century conquest, which he argues has not been adequately studied in schools or portrayed in cinema and television, unlike other historical events. He believes a deeper understanding of this period is crucial for fostering genuine reconciliation and building a stronger future for Algerian-French relations.
