Paris, France – In a concerning escalation of discriminatory rhetoric, the French far-right is accused of launching a targeted campaign against the Algerian community in France. This alleged campaign comes ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament to be held in Morocco.
The controversy stems from a written parliamentary question submitted by Julien Odoul, a member of the National Rally (formerly the National Front) party led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella. Addressed to the French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, the question is being widely criticized as embodying institutional racism and promoting hatred against Algerians.
Critics argue that Odoul’s inquiry uses the platform of democratic discourse to disseminate discriminatory sentiments. The focus of the criticism lies in what is perceived as singling out the Algerian community for heightened security measures, distinct from other African communities residing in France.
The parliamentary question specifically cites alleged disturbances following victories by the Algerian national football team. Odoul’s statement that, ‘the Algerian team alone causes chaos in France after its matches… no other African team, such as Senegal, Cameroon, or Mali, causes such excesses,’ has drawn sharp condemnation.
This singling out of Algerians, despite the presence of numerous other African communities in France, is seen as indicative of a deep-seated anti-Algerian sentiment rooted in France’s colonial past. The accusations also include claims of ignoring the context surrounding events, such as alleged police provocation and restrictions on displaying Algerian flags during celebrations following Algeria’s 2019 AFCON victory.
The incident has sparked outrage and accusations of fueling xenophobia and discrimination within French society, particularly against its Algerian population. The timing, just before the start of AFCON, is seen as particularly inflammatory and potentially exacerbating tensions.
