Abdelaziz Medjahed: Enacting a Law Criminalising French Colonisation in Algeria is a Duty

Enacting a law criminalising French colonisation in Algeria is a duty, the Director General of the National Institute for Comprehensive Strategic Studies, Abdelaziz Medjahed, stated on Monday in Algiers, emphasising the need to strengthen citizens’ awareness to confront challenges.

During his appearance as a guest on Algerian Radio’s Channel 1 forum, alongside the MP Mohamed Amroune, Medjahed stated that “enacting a law criminalising French colonialism in Algeria is an imperative duty, especially since Algeria is a symbol of Africa’s liberation from direct and indirect colonialism.” He also warned young people against “the plans of the descendants of the Secret Army Organisation (OAS) in certain political circles on the northern shores of the Mediterranean.”

Medjahed praised the unity of the Algerian people and their consensus on fundamental principles and values, highlighting the role of the People’s National Army in confronting the enemies’ attempts and confirming “the need to strengthen citizens’ awareness to counter hostile plots and overcome challenges.” He added that Algeria “remains vigilant against these trends by reinforcing its internal front and the unity of its people with its army,” noting that “true citizenship is based on fulfilling one’s duties.”

Medjahed praised the outcomes of the cabinet meeting held on Sunday, chaired by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, noting that the amendments to the draft organic law on political parties aim to “encourage parties to fulfil their assigned roles, particularly those related to shaping and guiding society within the framework of participatory democracy, and to enshrine fair and transparent political competition.”
For his part, National Assembly member Mohamed Amroune considered the law criminalising colonialism a “positive indicator” of the Algerian people’s awareness, explaining that French colonisation was a state crime that does not expire with time. He added that the law enshrines “historical justice and constitutes a fundamental building block for enacting an African law that criminalises colonialism and opens the door to accountability regarding colonial practices” globally.

Amroune asserted that this law “protects the nation’s memory and places the international community before its historical responsibilities, blocking any attempts to falsify facts or evade the legal and moral consequences of colonisation.” He praised Algeria’s “tremendous work” in supporting just causes globally and the “strong return” of Algerian diplomacy regionally and internationally.