The commission examining the colonization of France in Algeria holds its first meeting

19 Apr. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The commission of historians that will examine the colonization carried out by France in Algeria held its first meeting this Wednesday, in a context in which the two countries are trying to resume good relations with a future visit by the Algerian president, Abdelmayid Tebune, to Paris.

The commission, made up of ten historians -five from each of the countries-, was one of the milestones signed in the trip made by the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to the North African country in August 2022. The investigations will go back to the 19th century and will reach the stage of decolonization.

The Elysee, which has confirmed in a statement the first meeting of the “independent” group, has stressed the importance of working for the sake of a better understanding of historical events and reconciliation. The commission also reserves the right to contact other experts.

Relations between France and Algeria have been marked by ups and downs in recent months, especially as a result of the transfer of an Algerian opposition member. In March, both countries closed the crisis by announcing the return of the Algerian ambassador to France.

A visit by Tebune to France was also agreed, although this trip remains without an official date. Sources cited by the French newspaper ‘Le Figaro’ pointed out that the visit was initially scheduled for May 2 and 3, but it has been postponed for the moment.