“Recognition by the State was necessary”, believes historian Benjamin Stora

The historian specializing in Algeria recalls that “other gestures in this direction” are expected, such as the restitution of property looted during colonization.

“Recognition by the State was necessary, and the position taken by the President of the Republic is important”reacts Saturday November 2 on franceinfo, Benjamin Stora, historian specializing in Algeria, the day after Emmanuel Macron's recognition of the assassination of Larbi Ben M'hidi, leader of the National Liberation Front (FNL), by soldiers French. “His name is very little known by the French, but his role is important because he is one of those who started the insurrection of November 1, 1954 [qui ouvrit la guerre d’Algérie]”recalls the historian.

For Benjamin Stora, this recognition is part of “a series of memorial activities” et “other gestures in this direction” are expected. The historian thinks in particular of the “return of objects”. Author of a report on Franco-Algerian memorial issues in 2021 submitted to the president, Benjamin Stora calls for “return the property looted at the time of colonization”. The historian proposed to Emmanuel Macron to return “certain symbolic property belonging to Emir Abd el-Kader [fondateur de l’État algérien]in particular his baton of command, his sword, his burnous, but also the Koran which he carried with him.”

This work of memory and reconciliation is a long-term effort after 132 years of French presence in Algeria. “This battle of memory is very often hampered by politics and diplomatic activities”deplores the historian. “Will the continuation of historical work succeed precisely in containing the political or diplomatic difficulties? This is the real issue in the days to come, in the weeks to come”dear Benjamin Stora.