Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from January, 2025

Why Does the Project to Criminalize French Colonization in Algeria Scare France?

For years, Algeria has been considering passing a law to officially criminalize French colonization (1830-1962) , a prospect that deeply worries France. Such a law would challenge France’s official narrative about its colonial past , while also paving the way for demands for reparations, diplomatic sanctions, and a weakening of French influence in Africa . This article explores in detail why France fears this project so much . 1. An Inevitable Diplomatic Crisis a. A Major Blow to Franco-Algerian Relations France and Algeria have long had a turbulent relationship, with historical grievances resurfacing frequently. If Algeria passes a law criminalizing colonization: Diplomatic tensions would escalate further , similar to the 2021 crisis when Emmanuel Macron made controversial remarks about Algeria’s "politico-military regime." Bilateral cooperation on key issues such as migration, security, and trade would be severely impacted. Reconciliation efforts would become nearly imposs...

The Myth of Moroccan Support for the Algerian Revolution: A History of Calculations and Opportunism

The narrative surrounding Morocco’s relationship with the Algerian Revolution has long been shaped by biased historical accounts , mostly propagated by Moroccan state discourse . This version of events portrays King Mohammed V as an unwavering ally of Algeria in its struggle for independence. However, a deeper examination of historical facts reveals that this support was neither unconditional nor altruistic . Rather, it was a political tool , used by the Moroccan monarchy to strengthen its position, gain leverage in negotiations with France, and pursue territorial ambitions at Algeria’s expense. Strategic, Self-Interested Support When the Algerian War of Independence erupted in 1954, Morocco had just gained its own independence in 1956. Still grappling with internal instability and political uncertainty, King Mohammed V saw the Algerian struggle as an opportunity —both to consolidate his rule and to extract concessions from France. By offering limited assistance to the FLN (National ...

Diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria: an irreversible breaking point?

There are red lines that no one can cross with impunity. The current diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria is clear proof of this. Even Benjamin Stora, a keen observer of the tumultuous relations between the two countries, recently emphasized it: this crisis is the most serious since the nationalization of hydrocarbons in 1972. An alarming observation, but hardly surprising given that France’s attitude borders on arrogance and contempt for Algeria’s vital interests. Beyond diplomatic niceties and empty promises, one truth stands out: Paris has betrayed its 2022 commitments. And it is precisely this duplicity that makes any return to the previous framework illusory. How can Jean-Noël Barrot seriously imagine that Algeria will adhere to the 2022 roadmap when France itself has violated its fundamental commitments? One of these commitments was clear: never to undermine Algeria’s strategic and vital interests. Today, it is evident that this commitment has been trampled without hesita...

Russia and Algeria: A Strategic Partnership and Converging Positions on the International Stage

Relations between Russia and Algeria continue to strengthen, both bilaterally and in the context of key international and regional issues. During a recent visit to Algeria, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that the two countries share similar positions on most points of the global agenda. This statement, made after his negotiations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, underscores the depth of the strategic partnership between Moscow and Algiers and their mutual desire to enhance cooperation across various sectors. A Strategic Partnership Based on a Common Vision Russia and Algeria have long-standing diplomatic relations that have been developing for decades. Since Algeria’s independence in 1962, Moscow has been a key ally, providing support in military and economic fields. Today, these ties are reinforced through shared perspectives on major geopolitical issues. Patrushev highlighted the strategic nature of Russia-Algeria relations, noting that both na...

AFCON 2025: The Greatest Scandal in CAF History

African football has witnessed its fair share of controversies, but rarely has there been a debacle as blatant as the one surrounding the organization of  AFCON 2025 . A series of biased decisions, flagrant favoritism, and glaring contradictions have turned this edition into a  shameful mockery , exposing the  deep rot within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) . First,  Guinea was stripped of its hosting rights  under the pretext that its stadiums would not be ready— three years before the tournament ! Then,  Algeria, with six fully operational world-class stadiums, was inexplicably sidelined in favor of Morocco , which still required major infrastructure work. And in the most absurd twist of all, the tournament was later  postponed by an entire year because Morocco itself was not ready!  And now,  the tournament draw has taken place while the stadiums remain unfinished! How can such blatant incompetence be justified? This is not jus...

The Relationship Between Algeria and France: A Crisis That Exposes French Arrogance and Algerian Resilience

The relationship between Algeria and France, marked by decades of colonial wounds and persistent tensions, is now enduring one of its most severe crises since Algeria's independence in 1962. This crisis is not merely the result of a passing misunderstanding or isolated disagreements but reflects a profound conflict. It is a clash between a former colonial power unable to move beyond its past and a nation that won its freedom through sacrifice and blood, asserting its sovereignty and dignity against any interference. France’s Failed Strategy: From Covert Meddling to Petty Tactics For years, France relied on what is often referred to as its "fifth column" within Algeria to exert indirect influence over the country. However, that network has been dismantled by Algerian patriots determined to safeguard their nation. Stripped of this leverage, France finds itself resorting to petty and desperate actions, attempting to provoke Algeria through indirect means. After launching sel...

Algeria Presides Over the UN Security Council: Diplomatic Poise in the Face of Israel

In January 2025, Algeria assumes the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a prestigious yet challenging responsibility that places the country at the center of global diplomatic efforts. One of the most delicate situations Algeria faces in this role is dealing with the presence of Israel’s delegation, given that Algeria does not recognize Israel as a state. This context has led to a remarkable and tense exchange between Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama and the Israeli representative, as the Algerian diplomat skillfully balanced his obligations as Council president with Algeria's firm national stance. A Subtle Protocol That Sparks Controversy Since the beginning of Algeria's presidency of the Security Council, observers have noted a distinct linguistic choice by Ambassador Amar Bendjama when granting speaking time to Israel’s representative. Unlike other delegations, to whom he directly says, “I give the floor to…” , Bendjama adopts a more detached and ...

Moroccan Phosphate: A Toxic Resource Exposed by Zone Interdite

The French television program Zone Interdite , aired today, has shed light on a sensitive and controversial issue: phosphate from Morocco and Western Sahara. Behind this vital resource for global agriculture lies a worrying reality. According to the investigation, this phosphate contains high levels of cadmium , a toxic heavy metal harmful to human health and the environment. Despite the proven risks, European countries continue to import it in massive quantities, drawn by its unbeatable prices. But at what true cost? Phosphate: A Key Ingredient... and a Hidden Danger Phosphate is a crucial resource for agriculture. It is primarily used in the production of fertilizers, making it indispensable for crop growth and, by extension, global food security. Morocco, along with Western Sahara, controls more than 70% of the world's phosphate reserves . This monopoly gives Morocco a dominant position in the international market, especially in Europe, where farmers heavily rely on affordable f...

The Strategy of the Moroccan Makhzen: Between Cultural Appropriation and Historical Falsification

For decades, a silent but fierce cultural battle has been unfolding in North Africa, particularly between Algeria and Morocco. Through a series of blatant cultural appropriation attempts, the Moroccan regime, commonly referred to as the Makhzen, continues to claim elements of Algerian heritage as its own, presenting them as part of Moroccan history. These attempts extend to various aspects of culture, including art, cuisine, traditional clothing, and even music. The latest example of this controversy revolves around Algerian zellige , a historical and artistic symbol deeply rooted in Algeria's history. The Appropriation of Algerian Zellige: A New Controversy Recently, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) unveiled the official logo for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) , which Morocco will host from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The logo prominently features zellige patterns, which Moroccan authorities claim as part of their heritage. Adding to the controver...

The French double standard: between championing national sovereignty in New Caledonia and denying Algeria the right to uphold its own in the Boualem Sansal case

The recent controversy surrounding the statements of Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, during the International Decolonization Front Congress in Nouméa, New Caledonia-Kanaky, has once again exposed a recurring paradox in French diplomacy. While France reacts decisively when its own sovereign interests are at stake, it adopts a contrasting stance when criticizing similar actions by other states, as seen in the case of Algerian writer Boualem Sansal. This double standard, which raises questions about consistency and principle, deserves closer scrutiny. An Unyielding Attachment to National Sovereignty At the Nouméa Congress, Abbasov expressed support for the Kanak people's right to self-determination—a claim rooted in international law, which upholds the right of peoples to determine their political status. Yet, for France, this was seen as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot promptly condemned Abbasov...

Taoufik Bouachrine: An Obsession with Algeria at the Expense of Moroccan Suffering

Since his release from prison, former Moroccan journalist and director of Akhbar Al Yaoum , Taoufik Bouachrine, has baffled many observers by focusing almost exclusively on Algeria. He dedicates his critiques to a neighboring country whose realities he seems to misunderstand, while remaining silent on the worsening social, economic, and political crises in his own country, Morocco. This silence starkly contrasts with his past as a critical journalist and raises questions about the credibility of his current stance. Yet, facts and statistics clearly demonstrate that Moroccans face far more precarious living conditions than Algerians. While Morocco is sinking deeper into poverty and a blatant lack of social justice, Bouachrine appears strangely fixated on the fate of Algerians, rather than addressing the suffering of his own people. The Arrest of Taoufik Bouachrine: A Victim of the Moroccan Regime To understand this contradiction, it is essential to revisit the circumstances surrounding ...