Rédaction Africa Links 24 with ania.b
Published on 2024-03-04 13:32:26
According to an article published in the French newspaper “Le Monde” on Monday, March 4, several organizations have requested France to acknowledge its role in the use of torture during the Algerian War. Among these associations are former combatants and NGOs, who wish for the French state to take responsibility for these historical events.
Indeed, as per the same source, in a document sent to the Elysée Palace and made public, about twenty organizations, including the League of Human Rights (LDH), have emphasized the importance of understanding the use of torture. They insist that this approach is not just an act of contrition, but a commitment to national values.
Two years ago, the French presidency had already taken a first step in this direction by paying tribute to the fighters of the Algerian War. In a statement, the Elysée had acknowledged the reality of torture during the conflict. However, some organizations deemed this acknowledgment incomplete as it did not identify individual responsibilities.
Nils Andersson, president of the ACCA association, a signatory of the appeal, expressed his opinion on this partial acknowledgment. He points out that this step does not aim to condemn or judge, but to confront history in order to live together better. He laments the lack of establishing a chain of responsibilities in the Elysée’s declaration.
During the Algerian War, torture was used as a tool of war, and organizations accuse the French governments of theorizing, teaching, practicing, and covering up these acts. They believe that this fully engages the state’s responsibility. However, despite this request for acknowledgment, the organizations regret not being received at the Elysée to discuss this issue.
In conclusion, the demand from associations and NGOs reflects the importance of acknowledging France’s responsibility in the events of the Algerian War. It is a civic and historical approach aiming to understand and take responsibility for past actions in order to build a common future. The response from the Elysée to this request is eagerly awaited, perhaps marking the beginning of a deeper reflection on this dark period in Franco-Algerian history.
Read the original article(French) on Algerie 360
