Le FLN organise une conférence sur « la criminalisation du colonialisme »
Summary of the Conference on the Criminalization of Colonialism
On Saturday, the National Liberation Front (FLN) hosted a conference in Algiers focused on "the criminalization of colonialism." This gathering underscored the need to safeguard national memory and combat attempts to distort or forget Algeria’s historical experiences.
Opening Remarks
At the conference’s opening, FLN Secretary General Abdelkrim Benmbarek emphasized Algeria’s sovereignty and its demand for recognition, equity, and truth. He argued that Algeria’s future should be built on mutual respect and shared interests rather than on the ruins of historical amnesia or incomplete reconciliation.
Benmbarek asserted, "A new Algeria cannot emerge from the ashes of forgetfulness or half-hearted reconciliation. It must arise from a clear acknowledgment and the criminalization of the unforgivable," referring specifically to the atrocities committed during the colonial period.
Historical Context
He pointed out that the crimes of French colonialism in Algeria transcend mere historical facts, describing them as "an open wound." He highlighted the mass killings, systematic exterminations, forced displacements, deportations, and nuclear tests as egregious offenses not just against the Algerian people but also against humanity as a whole.
Benmbarek praised the efforts of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to promote national memory, particularly through the establishment of a "National Memory Day" to commemorate the massacres that occurred on May 8, 1945.
National Memory
The Secretary General stressed that national memory is deeply rooted in history, asserting that the Algerian people have an enduring legacy that dates back to the origins of humanity. He used the May 8 massacres as a pivotal example, portraying them as undeniable evidence of the brutal nature of French colonialism. He remarked that colonial authorities resorted to oppressive and violent methods to silence any calls for freedom.
Conclusion
The conference served as a vital platform for discussing Algeria’s colonial past and the ongoing need for collective memory and recognition. It reinforced the significance of acknowledging historical injustices in fostering a unified and equitable future for the country.
