Recalling the 1945 Algeria Massacres: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Celebratory Events on May 8th: Not universal approval within political circles found for parliamentarians' journey to Algeria
Eight decades past the bloodshed, a group of twelve French parliamentarians - y’all know, leaders and such - are jetting off to Sétif, Guelma, and Kherrata. Their mission? To honor the 80th anniversary of V-E Day in Europe and the "other May 8, 1945" - a dark day in Algerian history.
This pack of lawmakers, mainly from the left and center, includes environmentalist Sabrina Sebaihi. She's all about those feel-good vibes, stating, "Today, we're making a gesture of acknowledgment and healing. France needs to face its past."
These political heavyweights are part of a working group created in 2024. Their goal? To officially acknowledge the massacres of Sétif, Guelma, and Kherrata that took place on May 8, 1945. As they put it, "This trip represents a leap forward as France acknowledges its role in these colonial atrocities."
The political scene is a tad rocky with Algeria right now, but Socialist Arthur Delaporte isn't buying the connection: "Remembering the past and smoothing out diplomatic issues aren't intertwined, buddy."
According to Delaporte, it's about bridging gaps between folks and making formal amends for France's less-than-pristine colonial history in Algeria. But not everyone's on board, like Anne-Laure Blin, a right-wicked politician. Her stance? "Honoring May 8 on our soil is essential for a national official."
There's a committee, though, pushing for the President to sponsor a tribute to French victims at Mont-Valérien. Things can get real complicated when history and politics mix, huh?
The 1945 Algeria Massacres: A Sidetrack Through Dark History
This tragedy unfolded in May 1945, shortly after the Allied win in World War II. Celebratory protests in Sétif turned anti-colonial as protesters waved flags demanding Algerian independence. Unfortunately, the French colonial authorities responded with violence, marking the commencement of widespread massacres in the region. Historians categorize it as a genocide, with casualty estimates ranging from 1,500 to 45,000[1][2][3]. These massacres catalyzed the Algerian strategy to gain independence, making it a turning point in Algerian history.
Commemorating the Fateful Day in 2025
In 2025, a group of about 30 French parliamentarians made a pilgrimage to Algeria to mourn the Sétif massacre's 80th anniversary. This visit serves as both a memorial and an attempt to revive the connections between Algeria and France. The official French delegation aims to accept and atone for their nation's colonial past. The trip consists of ceremonies in Algiers and a visit to Sétif, prioritizing remembrance and reconciliation[2].
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared May 8th the "Day of Memory" in 2020 to honor the victims of these massacres. The visit by French parliamentarians is a part of a broader effort to heal historical wounds and fortify Franco-Algerian ties[2].
- The group of French parliamentarians, including Sabrina Sebaihi and Arthur Delaporte, are embarking on a trip to Sétif, Guelma, and Kherrata in 2025, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the 1945 Algerian massacres.
- Anne-Laure Blin, a right-wing politician, has unfavorably viewed the commemoration, expressing the importance of honoring French victims at Mont-Valérien.
- The commemoration of the 1945 Algerian massacres represents a significant step in recognizing France's role in colonial atrocities, as part of a working group formed in 2024.
- Political meetings and diplomatic relations between France and Algeria continue to be complex, with Arthur Delaporte asserting that remembrance and diplomatic issues are not intertwined.
- The 2025 commemoration trip is also an attempt to bridge gaps and foster reconciliation between France and Algeria, following the Algerian President's declaration of May 8th as the "Day of Memory" in 2020.
