Algeria's parliament has unanimously passed a law declaring France's colonisation of the North African state a crime, demanding an apology and reparations.
The law also criminalises the glorification of colonialism, with state-run TV providing coverage of the event.
This legislative move highlights the worsening diplomatic relations between Algeria and France, now perceived to be at their lowest point in 63 years, since Algeria gained independence.
Between 1830 and 1962, France's colonisation of Algeria was marred by mass killings and deportations, culminating in a bloody war for independence. Algeria claims that the war resulted in 1.5 million casualties, a figure disputed by French historians.
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously acknowledged the colonisation as a 'crime against humanity', yet has refrained from offering a formal apology.
During the parliamentary proceedings, lawmakers celebrated the bill's passage by wearing scarves of the national flag and chanting slogans of support for Algeria.
The law asserts that France has a 'legal responsibility' for the consequences of its actions and maintains that 'full and fair' reparations are an 'inalienable right' of the Algerian state and its populace.
There has been no immediate response from France regarding this new legislation, although historical dialogues have increasingly centered around reparations and the restitution of culturally significant artifacts.
Algerian officials have also called for the return of a 16th Century bronze cannon, a historical symbol of protection for Algiers, which was taken during French occupation.
The passage of this law coincides with Algeria's broader initiative to advocate for reparations across the African continent, as seen in a recent conference focused on these issues.
The legislative developments have occurred amid strains related to Algeria's opposition stance towards Morocco's sovereignty in Western Sahara, a matter further complicating Franco-Algerian relations.
