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The Ministries of Mujahideen and Rights Holders as well as that of the Environment and Quality of Life organized, this Monday in Algiers, a national conference entitled “The environmental impacts of colonialism in Africa, historical realities and ecological aftereffects – the case of Algeria”, where researchers and officials lifted the veil on the ecological disasters of colonialism, calling for full recognition of these ravages, the stigma of which is perpetuated from generation to generation.
In his opening speech, the Minister of Mujahideen, Abdelmalek Tacherift, affirmed that the objective of this conference is to highlight “the dark period of colonialism and to recall the suffering suffered by the Algerian people in the face of a systematically destructive colonial policy”, of which in particular the environmental aftereffects are still felt today, and calls for “recognition, reparation and justice”. He stressed the need to revive national memory and to recall, through facts and research, “the systematic atrocities committed by colonialism, the after-effects of which continue to mark Algerian society until today.”
He specified that this scientific and memorial event brought together researchers, historians, ecologists and academics around a common objective, that of analyzing the environmental dimension of French colonialism, often neglected in classic historical studies. The conference intends to demonstrate that colonialism was not only an enterprise of political, economic and cultural domination, but also an “ecological crime, the consequences of which on nature, human health and biodiversity remain visible and measurable decades later”.
The minister stressed that this work is part of a “process of truth and recognition”, with the objective of approaching the colonial period through a broader scientific prism. He added that “the suffering of the Algerian people is not limited to massacres, expropriations or repression; they also include the methodical destruction of ecosystems, the anarchic exploitation of natural resources and the destructuring of territories and ways of life.” He also recalled that the colonial exploitation of soils, forests, mines and waters led to profound ecological imbalances, the repercussions of which are still felt in certain regions of the country. Furthermore, Mr. Tacherift emphasized the “transgenerational character of colonial trauma,” asserting that the wounds inflicted by colonialism are not simple memories of the past, but open wounds whose effects are transmitted from generation to generation, both psychologically and environmentally. “These scars must not be forgotten. They call for recognition, equity and historical justice,” he insisted.
The minister thus considered that the holding of this conference constitutes an “essential step in contemporary scientific research”, contributing to broadening the understanding of colonialism beyond its political dimension. “Our duty is to build a fair memory, faithful to historical truth, and to transmit it to future generations so that they can understand the extent of the injustices suffered and the resilience of their people,” he maintained.
Tacherift concluded his speech by emphasizing that this initiative is part of a “national strategy for preserving memory” and “rehabilitating the country’s historical and natural heritage”. He affirmed that the Mojahedin Ministry will continue to encourage scientific research on the multiple facets of colonialism, including those affecting the environment, public health and land use planning.
A patriotic vision combining history and sustainability
For her part, the Minister of the Environment and Quality of Life, Kaouthar Krikou, welcomed “the commitment of the Algerian people and the People’s National Army (ANP) to the stability and sustainable development of the country. »
She paid tribute to the “determination and professionalism of the ANP”, which works tirelessly to heal the after-effects of colonialism. The minister recalled that “the ANP remains an essential pillar of stability and national sovereignty”, adding that thanks to the cohesion of its members and their high sense of duty, it actively contributes to “preserving the country against incessant external attacks” and to “supporting development efforts throughout the territory”. She stressed that, faithful to the heritage of the martyrs and the founding values of the nation, the Algerian people continue with conviction the path of progress and modernization. Thus, social, economic and environmental initiatives are part of a “vision of the future focused on sustainability, the development of natural resources and the preservation of national heritage”.
In addition, she indicated that Algeria, aware of the after-effects left by the colonial period, continues to “document and analyze the destructive practices” which targeted its environment and its natural resources. She added that these scientific works and these historical testimonies highlight the extent of the attacks committed against nature and humanity, thus reinforcing the need for greater ecological and heritage vigilance.
The minister also assured that her department, in coordination with all sectors concerned, is committed to implementing the recommendations resulting from this type of high-level meetings and to translating the nation’s ambitions into concrete actions.
She concluded by declaring that “with unwavering will, Algeria continues its march towards a future where peace, prosperity and dignity remain the foundations of its unity and resilience. »
It should be noted that this conference marks the beginning of an in-depth reflection on the ecological crimes of colonialism, opening the way to a global and balanced approach to History, which no longer dissociates man from his environment, nor the memory of justice. By focusing on the ecological question, researchers offer new insight into the responsibilities of colonial powers in the lasting degradation of African territories and the disruption of environmental balances. The speakers also noted the importance of documenting and archiving these ecological crimes through interdisciplinary studies, in order to fully measure their consequences and enrich the collective memory.