Appel à ouvrir toutes les archives sur l’usage de gaz chimiques par l’armée française
Title: The Call for Transparency in France’s Colonial History: Insights from Historian Christophe Lafaye
In recent discussions surrounding France’s colonial history, particularly during the Algerian War of Independence, historian Christophe Lafaye has advocated for the opening of military archives related to the extensive use of chemical weapons by the French army. His remarks stem from his involvement in the documentary film "Algérie-Section armes spéciales," co-directed by Claire Billet, which highlights the existence of chemical warfare during Algeria’s fight for liberation from colonial rule.
In a conversation with Le Courrier d’Algérie, Lafaye emphasized the critical need for transparency by urging the French government to declassify all military archives concerning this significant yet contentious period. He asserted, "It is essential to open all military archives on the subject," stressing the importance of a thorough examination of historical events.
Lafaye’s call for transparency is not merely a scholarly pursuit; he believes it is fundamental to fostering a constructive public debate grounded in factual evidence rather than opinions. He poses the idea that robust historical research should serve the public, allowing citizens to engage with their past, confront the darker aspects of history, and reconcile with them. He stated, "A great country must take responsibility for its history, including its dark and light areas."
A significant hurdle in this pursuit is the challenged access to archival materials, which Lafaye pointed out. He noted that, although some military archives were opened between 2012 and 2019, access was suddenly restricted in December 2019 due to a legal conflict between a law from 2008 regarding the declassification of defense secrets and instructions from the Ministry of Defense that mandated the review of documents on a case-by-case basis. Lafaye lamented this reversal as detrimental, curtailing the historical exploration of vital topics, especially those pertaining to chemical warfare, including the documented use of Napalm against defenseless populations during the war.
Moreover, Lafaye expressed frustration over the censorship faced by the documentary in France. He mentioned the film’s initial broadcast on RTS (Switzerland) on March 9, 2025, but noted that its subsequent airing on France 5 was postponed, stating, "With Claire Billet, we were very surprised." He believes that the documentary should be widely disseminated both in France and abroad, particularly in the Maghreb, to enable open discourse about colonial atrocities. Lafaye declared that "France must confront every aspect of its colonial war," acknowledging the long-standing implications these unresolved issues have on contemporary politics.
In addressing the broader impacts of France’s military actions, Lafaye also highlighted the issues surrounding nuclear waste left from nuclear tests conducted in southern Algeria. He again pointed to the closed nature of the archives that pertain to these issues, arguing for a "strong political push in France" to rectify these past injustices and allow historians to engage with these darker chapters in history.
Ultimately, Lafaye’s perspective embodies a call for healing through acknowledgment and scholarship. He insists that confronting the past is essential for addressing ongoing political and social issues in both France and Algeria, advocating for open dialogue and critical examination of historical records to foster understanding and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. By championing the cause of archival transparency and supporting the dissemination of historical knowledge, Lafaye aims to empower both historians and citizens alike in their quest for truth and reconciliation regarding France’s colonial legacy.
In summation, Lafaye’s insistence on the necessity for open archives and unrestricted access to historical records is a poignant reminder of the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths within national narratives. He underscores the urgent need for a platform where the complexities of history can be discussed candidly, allowing societies to engage with their past and shape a more informed future.
This summary presents the key themes and arguments made by Christophe Lafaye regarding France’s colonial history and the need for transparency in military archives, encapsulating his views while adhering to the requested word limit.
