Macron acknowledges that FLN leader Larbi Ben M’hidi was “assassinated by French soldiers” in 1957

If Algeria does not send signals in return, Emmanuel Macron intends to continue to reconcile the stories on both sides of the Mediterranean. 70 years to the day after the start of the insurrection which launched the war of independence, the President of the Republic recognized this November 1 in a press release that Larbi Ben Ben M’hidi, “one of the six leaders of the FLN (National Liberation Front, editor’s note)» at the head of the armed revolt, “was assassinated by French soldiers placed under the command of General Aussaresses” in March 1957. Way for the head of state to continue “the work of truth and recognition” engaged since 2017 and “to look at the history of colonization and the Algerian War in its truth, with the aim of achieving the creation of a peaceful and shared memory.”.

Affirming that the “repression” française “was accompanied by the establishment of a system outside the society of Human and Citizen Rights”the presidency denounces the arrest of “very many people, innocent or guilty”, including Larbi Ben M’hidi in February 1957. Before questioning the account of the authorities of the time on this particular case: “Officially, (il) attempted suicide in secret from his guards. (Et) died during his transfer to the hospital.” A version of more and more “disputed” until being invalidated by General Aussaresses himself, who “confessed” his assassination in the early 2000s.

“The work of historical truth will continue”

While the President of the Republic offended Algiers by recognizing once again this week the sovereignty of Rabat over Western Sahara, the Élysée recalled this Friday that the “historical truth work will continue”. And to conclude, looking to the future: “It is also by thinking of future generations that the Head of State makes it his duty, again and again, to seek ways of reconciling memories between the two countries.”