Cultural Betrayal or Literary Complicity? Ahmed Bensaada’s Critique of Contemporary Writers and Their Allegiances in the Shadow of Colonialism

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 09th, 2025 — Algeria’s history is steeped in the blood of martyrs who sacrificed everything for the nation’s freedom, the preservation of its identity, and the defense of its cultural and religious values. This history is defined not only by heroic figures but also by the presence of individuals who, throughout various epochs, have chosen the path of betrayal. Among the most prominent figures in this regard are writers and intellectuals, such as Boualem Sansal and Kamel Daoud, who have courted the favor of foreign powers by promoting an agenda that aligns with neo-colonialism, undermining Algeria’s sovereign narrative in the process.

In the face of their involvement in promoting narratives that detract from Algeria’s rich history and its struggle for independence, these writers are criticized for turning their backs on the very land that nurtured them. By aligning themselves with a foreign agenda and advancing ideologies that echo the values of colonial oppression, they not only betray their roots but also stain the collective identity of the Algerian people. Their voices, amplified in Western media, have become the tools of a new form of cultural warfare, serving to distort the Algerian story in favor of foreign interests, particularly those of France and the Zionist entity.

In his stirring analysis, Ahmed Bensaada, a researcher and writer, argues that contemporary writers like Kamel Daoud and Boualem Sansal should be considered “collaborators” in a literary context. According to Bensaada, these individuals are not just critics of their own society but active participants in undermining their culture. They operate as “informants” among their own people, parroting stereotypes and promoting ideas that serve the neo-colonial agenda of the West. Bensaada contends that such figures, by aligning with the historical oppressor, perpetuate an intellectual subjugation that seeks to rewrite Algeria’s narrative for political convenience.

These writers are positioned in Western literary circles, where their works are celebrated and rewarded, often beyond their true literary merit. Their success is not an endorsement of their intellectual prowess but rather a reflection of their compliance with a system that seeks to perpetuate the dominance of colonial narratives. It is a dangerous game of cultural betrayal, where the price of recognition and success is the sacrifice of one’s integrity, identity, and national pride.

Furthermore, Bensaada highlights the disturbing phenomenon of “informants among the people,” a term he uses to describe those who, despite their supposed cultural authority, lack the qualifications to speak on behalf of their people’s heritage. These individuals are manipulated by Western media, which projects them as “experts” in their own culture, despite their active role in distorting it for foreign consumption. Their association with Zionist interests and their public remarks supporting Western and Israeli stances only exacerbate their betrayal.

The case of Boualem Sansal, a writer who has repeatedly distanced himself from the Palestinian cause and expressed admiration for France’s colonial history, is emblematic of this cultural treason. Sansal’s controversial statements, including his praise for French colonialism and his minimization of the Palestinian struggle, have drawn harsh criticism from nationalists and intellectuals alike. Similarly, Kamel Daoud, who once declared himself “more French than the French,” has further distanced himself from the Algerian identity by embracing a European-centric worldview that disregards the very roots of Algerian culture and history.

Bensaada draws a chilling parallel between these contemporary figures and the historical examples of traitors during Algeria’s colonial period, noting that their betrayal echoes that of informers who sold out their own people to the French occupiers. Just as Napoleon’s forces relied on the betrayal of local informers to secure victories, today’s intellectuals are complicit in the destruction of Algeria’s cultural integrity, driven by personal ambition rather than loyalty to their homeland.

The critical stance taken by Bensaada is supported by a growing sense of indignation among Algerian intellectuals and citizens alike, who view the actions of these writers as not just a personal betrayal but a collective affront to the values that shaped modern Algeria. These writers, who once benefited from Algeria’s independence and prosperity, now choose to serve as tools of Western interests, ignoring the sacrifices of those who fought to liberate the country from colonial rule.

In a broader geopolitical context, the alliance between France, Morocco, and the Zionist entity has become a point of contention, with these countries attempting to marginalize Algeria’s growing regional influence. The French establishment’s continued support for figures like Sansal and Daoud underscores their strategic desire to undermine Algeria’s sovereignty and influence in the North African and Middle Eastern regions.

Yet, Algeria remains steadfast. Despite the pressure from foreign powers and the actions of these cultural traitors, the country’s resolve to maintain its independence and honor its revolutionary past is unwavering. The attempts to silence Algeria’s voice in the global arena are futile, for the spirit of its people, grounded in the ideals of freedom and justice, cannot be extinguished by the treacherous actions of a few misguided individuals.

In conclusion, the story of writers like Boualem Sansal and Kamel Daoud is one of cultural and intellectual betrayal. Their association with neo-colonial forces serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of national identity in the face of foreign influence. As Bensaada aptly notes, these individuals are no longer writers but “informants,” who have sold their souls for fame and fortune, disregarding the dignity of their people and the sacrifices of those who came before them. Their legacy, like that of all traitors, will ultimately be relegated to the dustbin of history, forgotten by the very people they sought to manipulate.

Translated from:

https://elayemnews.dz/%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%85%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%ab%d9%82%d8%a7%d9%81%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%83%d8%aa%d9%91%d8%a7%d8%a8-%d8%a3%d9%85-%d9%85%d8%ae%d8%a8%d8%b1%d9%88%d9%86-%d9%85%d9%86%d8%af%d8%b3/

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