The "Memory and History Committee" between Algeria and France has been postponed until further notice, affecting bilateral efforts to address historical issues. This halt coincides with Algeria and France working on multiple other files to strengthen their relationship. The resumption of the "Memory and History Committee" has been specifically postponed until further notice, creating uncertainty about its future work. Benjamin Stora, the French head of the joint committee for memory, confirmed he has not received any communication from either the Algerian or French side regarding a desire to resume work on this sensitive file.
Renewed Diplomatic Engagement
Since February, Algeria and Paris have restored communication channels, marked by visits from French officials to Algeria. French Minister of Interior Laurent Nuñez, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Armed Forces Alice Rufo, and Keeper of the Seals Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin have all visited Algeria during this period, indicating a broader push for engagement. Algerian Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud also visited Paris approximately one week prior to the article's publication, further noting the renewed diplomatic activity. This series of high-level exchanges demonstrates that Algeria and France are recently working on more than one file, covering various aspects of their bilateral relations beyond historical memory.
Committee's Past Recommendations
The joint committee previously issued recommendations to the French government concerning historical items. These recommendations included the handover of looted and smuggled Algerian archives, as well as several skulls and personal belongings of Emir Abdelkader. Specifically, the joint committee recommended the handover of these significant historical artifacts to the Algerian side, aiming to redress past grievances related to colonial-era appropriations. These items are considered key symbols of Algerian heritage and sovereignty. The committee's work in identifying and recommending the return of these cultural assets shows its mandate to address the tangible legacies of the colonial period.
Differing Views on Responsibility
Benjamin Stora previously attributed the halt in the joint committee's work to the Elysée Palace's decision in July 2024 to support the autonomy plan for Western Sahara proposed by the Moroccan regime. This decision, according to Stora, introduced a significant diplomatic hurdle impacting the committee's progress. The French side, according to some assessments, attempts to consolidate a "drip-feeding" logic in acknowledging the French state's responsibility for certain crimes. This approach involves a gradual, piecemeal recognition of historical wrongs, rather than a full admission. Conversely, the Algerian side insists that any recognition must be full, encompassing the entire 132-year period of French occupation, which it describes as full of crimes against humanity. French President Emmanuel Macron has also stated that the occupation was full of crimes against humanity, a sentiment that aligns with Algeria's demand for a thorough acknowledgment of past atrocities. The Algerian position emphasizes that a full and unqualified recognition of the colonial period's human cost is essential for true reconciliation and moving forward.
Expert Skepticism on Resumption
Benjamin Stora, the French head of the joint committee for memory, has indicated he has not received communication from either the Algerian or French side regarding a desire to resume the committee's work. This lack of contact, despite a broader thaw in bilateral relations between Algeria and Paris, suggests ongoing uncertainty about the committee's future. The committee's indefinite halt contrasts with recent high-level visits, including those by French Minister of Interior Laurent Nuñez and Algerian Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud, focusing on various other files between the two nations. The continued silence surrounding the committee's activities, even as other diplomatic channels are actively pursued, notes the persistent challenges in addressing the deeply sensitive and often contentious issues of memory and history between the two countries. The absence of a clear timeline for the committee's resumption shows the delicate nature of these discussions and the political complexities involved.
