President Tebboune Rejects French Revisionism: ‘We Will Not Go to Canossa’ as Algeria Defends Western Sahara and Condemns Moroccan Autonomy Plan as a ‘French Idea’

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | October 6th, 2024 — Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune firmly addressed ongoing tensions with France, declaring that Algeria will not yield to pressures related to historical and political disputes. In a candid interview with Algerian media, the president spoke on key issues, including the postponed state visit to France, historical memory, and France’s stance on Western Sahara. His unequivocal stance reflects Algeria’s commitment to its sovereignty, dignity, and historical truth, even amid diplomatic challenges.

“We Will Not Go to Canossa” – A Strong Message to France

Amid heightened tensions following France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in Western Sahara, President Tebboune responded to inquiries about his anticipated visit to France, originally scheduled for late September or early October. With a resolute tone, he declared, “I will not go to Canossa,” referring to the medieval historical event where a ruler was forced to beg for forgiveness—symbolizing Algeria’s refusal to bow to foreign pressures or demands. This comes in the wake of Algeria’s recall of its ambassador to Paris in protest of France’s shift in policy regarding the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Tebboune’s defiant remark underscores Algeria’s indignation toward France’s perceived violation of international norms, particularly regarding the unresolved issue of Western Sahara. France’s support for Morocco’s autonomy plan has been widely criticized as a departure from UN resolutions and international law, with Tebboune emphasizing that “the recognition of this so-called autonomy contradicts the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” of which France is a permanent member. He added that the concept of Moroccan autonomy over Western Sahara is “a French idea, not a Moroccan one.”

The Historical Memory Debate and the 1968 Agreement

Turning to the sensitive issue of historical memory, President Tebboune did not shy away from addressing the stalled work of the Algerian-French joint commission on historical issues. He noted that while the commission initially made progress, it has since been derailed by “political declarations made by a French minority that harbors hatred toward Algeria.” Tebboune reaffirmed Algeria’s demand for recognition of the atrocities committed during French colonial rule, including massacres that continue to haunt the collective memory of the Algerian people. “We demand historical truth and recognition of the massacres committed by French colonialism,” he asserted, adding that Algeria “will not accept the lies woven around our history.”

The president also tackled the debate surrounding the 1968 bilateral agreement governing the movement of people between Algeria and France, an accord which has become the subject of heated controversy in French political discourse. Tebboune dismissed the agreement as a “political slogan” used by extremists in France to incite anti-Algerian sentiment. “The 1968 agreement is an empty shell, a banner behind which extremists rally. It has no real impact on immigration or French security,” Tebboune stated, highlighting that the agreement has been revised multiple times and holds no substantial weight in contemporary relations. He further condemned the “minority of racists” in France who perpetuate false narratives to fuel hatred against Algeria, while noting that “60% of Algerians in France hold dual nationality.”

France’s Colonial Legacy and Nuclear Testing in Algeria

President Tebboune also took the opportunity to draw attention to France’s unaddressed colonial legacy, particularly the devastating consequences of nuclear tests conducted by France in Algeria’s southern regions. “The serious issues are France’s responsibility for the nuclear tests that still claim lives in southern Algeria. These are the real matters to address, not a false debate over the 1968 agreements,” he remarked. His statements reflect Algeria’s persistent demand for accountability and reparations for the long-term health and environmental damage caused by the French nuclear experiments during the colonial era.

Reaffirming Algeria’s Stance on Western Sahara

On the issue of Western Sahara, Tebboune was unequivocal in his condemnation of France’s recent policy shift. He pointed out that France’s public endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan “contradicts its role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and undermines international efforts to resolve the conflict through decolonization.” The president emphasized that Algeria remains steadfast in its support for the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, in line with UN resolutions. “France’s backing of Morocco is nothing new,” Tebboune stated, noting that the autonomy proposal itself was of French, not Moroccan, origin.

In closing, President Tebboune reiterated Algeria’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence with all nations, but not at the cost of its “dignity and history.” His final remarks—”We will not go to Canossa”—serve as a powerful affirmation of Algeria’s determination to protect its sovereignty, historical truth, and national interests amid growing regional and international challenges.

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