French FM Catherine Colonna’s Remarks Ignite Controversy as Algeria Reminds France of its Dark History
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a recent interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, French Minister for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, made disparaging remarks about Algeria, Mali, and other nations that had criticized France’s handling of recent riots. She boldly stated that these countries, with their purportedly catastrophic human rights records, had no right to teach France any lessons. However, it seems that Minister Colonna suffers from a short memory or a lack of historical knowledge concerning her own country’s actions.
Colonna conveniently forgets the atrocities committed by France in Algeria, the Sahel, Indochina, and other territories. Can France truly claim a record of respecting human rights when it has been responsible for killing, torturing, raping, and oppressing populations in these regions? The millions of lives lost in Algeria, Mali, and the Sahel, as well as the exploitation and violence endured by the people of Martinique and Indochina, all highlight the dark legacy of France’s actions.
While discussing Mali, Minister Colonna criticized both the soldiers who took control to save their country and the Wagner mercenaries who replaced them. She claimed that France halted its aid to the Malian authorities due to the presence of these mercenaries, but conveniently omitted discussing the results of French military operations or the actions of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (Minusma). Without acknowledging the failure of these interventions to bring stability or a plan to save the country, her statements ring hollow.
Colonna also accused Mali of having problems with the international community, yet failed to mention any specific countries. The truth is that Mali’s difficulties lie primarily with France, as other nations have not voiced significant issues. Furthermore, she neglected to mention the case of a French journalist who was held hostage by terrorists in Mali but was ultimately released after reaching an agreement with the same terrorists. This agreement perpetuated pressure on the Malian authorities, hindering the country’s path to peace and stability.
Additionally, Minister Colonna must explain why several African countries continue to contribute their foreign exchange earnings to the French Treasury, allowing France to dictate their policies and expenditures. This neocolonial arrangement raises serious questions about the sovereignty and self-determination of these nations.
Lastly, let us not forget the tragic consequences of France’s nuclear tests in Reggane, Algeria. The inhabitants of Reggane were subjected to the devastating health impacts of atomic bomb testing, which continue to afflict them to this day. It is ironic that Colonna questions Algeria’s respect for human rights when her own country has caused immeasurable harm to its people.
Contrary to Minister Colonna’s claims, Algeria stands firm in its commitment to human rights. We live there as free and independent individuals, overcoming the struggles imposed upon us by 132 years of colonization. The decades of unrest and turmoil were a direct result of French interference that prevented us from living in peace.
Yes, Madam Minister, we have the right to give you lessons in human rights, and the recent spotlight on France by the United Nations only reinforces this claim. The Nahel case, which led the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) to single out France, demands our attention. The CERD’s recommendation that France “adopt legislation that defines and prohibits racial profiling” and establish clear guidelines for law enforcement officials, particularly the police, to eradicate racial profiling, discriminatory identity checks, and other racist behavior, cannot be ignored.
Furthermore, the spokesperson of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamsadani, emphasizes that France must now confront the deep-rooted issues of racism and racial discrimination within its law enforcement system. These words should serve as a wake-up call for the country to address these critical problems seriously. France must take decisive action to tackle racism head-on and ensure that its law enforcement agencies operate without bias or discrimination.
Given this international scrutiny and the urging from reputable organizations like the United Nations, it is imperative for France to acknowledge its shortcomings and embark on a path of reform. The world is watching, and it is high time for France to demonstrate its commitment to human rights by implementing effective measures to combat racial discrimination.
In conclusion, if anyone has the right to teach lessons on human rights, it is not France, but the nations that have endured its oppressive actions. Minister Colonna’s remarks reflect a lack of awareness and accountability for France’s historical and ongoing transgressions. It is high time for France to acknowledge its past, learn from its mistakes, and genuinely strive for a better future, both domestically and internationally.
Translated with adaptation from: La Patrie News
