Les mines antipersonnel au centre d’une conférence à Alger
Algeria Hosts Conference on Landmines: A Tribute to Victims and a Call for Acknowledgment
On Saturday, a conference focusing on the issue of landmines was held in Algiers, organized by the Machâal Echahid Association in collaboration with the daily newspaper El Moudjahid. This event served as a tribute to the martyrs who fell victim to landmines, particularly during Algeria’s glorious Liberation War, and in solidarity with Sahrawi victims of anti-personnel mines. The gathering coincided with the International Day for Mine Awareness, observed annually on April 4.
During the conference, human rights activist Messaoud Adimi emphasized the lasting impact of landmines left by French colonial forces at Algeria’s eastern and western borders. These remnants signify France’s intent to perpetuate violence and continue claiming innocent lives in Algeria. Adimi recounted how the National Liberation Front (FLN) repeatedly crossed these mined borders to supply the revolution with weapons and ammunition. In response, the French colonizers constructed the Challe line between 1958 and 1959 to obstruct the flow of these crucial resources to the freedom fighters. Adimi noted that following Algeria’s independence, the nation initiated efforts to clear its borders of these deadly explosives, which have caused numerous casualties over the years.
Mohamed Djouadi, president of the National Association of Mine Victims, called on France to take responsibility for the ongoing effects of these crimes, highlighting that "mines are an enduring crime and a silent war buried beneath the ground, targeting innocent people." His remarks underscored the need for accountability regarding the legacy of colonialism.
Lahcène Zeghidi, coordinator of the Algerian Commission on History and Memory, provided staggering statistics, revealing that France had planted approximately 15 million landmines in various regions of Algeria during the Liberation War. He also pointed out the significant lack of mapping for these concealed mines, exacerbating the danger they pose to civilians.
Hamdi Salek Eddine, a representative of the Sahrawi Association of Mine Victims, noted that Sahrawi territories rank among the most heavily contaminated areas from mines and unexploded ordnance. He stressed that these explosive remnants continue to claim the lives of Sahrawi children, indicating a persistent humanitarian crisis resulting from conflicts.
The conference served not only as a remembrance for those who suffered due to landmines but also as a platform for raising awareness and advocating for actions to mitigate the ongoing threats posed by these explosive remnants of war. It underscored the historical and contemporary impacts of colonialism on present-day Algeria and neighboring territories. Despite independence, the scars left by colonial practices continue to inflict pain and suffering on innocent populations, leading to continuous calls for justice and recognition of the victims’ plight.
The gathering highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation and commitment to demining efforts and support for victims. Participants expressed hope for a future where the legacy of war no longer claims additional innocent lives, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence surrounding landmines and ensuring safety for affected communities.
In conclusion, the conference served multiple purposes: honoring the past, raising awareness of the ongoing consequences of landmines, and galvanizing collective efforts towards healing and justice. As Algeria commemorates the resilience of its martyrs, it also looks ahead to a future free from the hidden threats buried under its soil, advocating for support for victims worldwide and continuing to fight against the remnants of colonial aggression.
