AlAs Europe marks the 80th anniversary of its victory over fascism, Algeria reflects on a tragic parallel anniversary—the May 8, 1945 massacres, when French colonial forces violently crushed Algerian independence protests.

Commemorations in Guelma, Kherrata, and Setif, the cities most affected by the massacres, honored the thousands of Algerians killed in air and ground offensives. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune framed the event as a key moment in Algeria’s path to independence, following 132 years of French colonial rule. The Ministry of War Veterans launched events under the slogan: “A people without memory is a people without a future.”

More than 500,000 tirailleurs—North and West African soldiers—fought for France during World War II, with over 100,000 Algerians hoping their service would lead to greater rights. Instead, as French leader Charles De Gaulle praised “liberty and justice”, Algerians demanding independence were met with brutal repression.

On May 8, 1945, Algerians filled the streets waving flags, calling for freedom. After police opened fire, violent anti-French riots erupted, killing over 100 settlers. In retaliation, France launched a massive military crackdown, killing 45,000 Algerians, according to Algerian sources—or 3,000 by French estimates.

Despite efforts toward historical reconciliation, France has never issued a formal apology. President Emmanuel Macron and Tebboune previously announced a joint truth commission in 2022, but progress stalled due to diplomatic tensions over immigration and France’s regional ties.

Historian Daho Djerbal, who has interviewed survivors, denounced France’s refusal to acknowledge the massacres as crimes against humanity, stating: “There was no declared war, yet France deployed air, naval, and artillery forces against civilians.”

Although Macron has called for truth and recognition, Algeria’s demand for a state apology remains unmet. A delegation of 30 French lawmakers arrived in Algiers to participate in commemorative events, signaling continued dialogue over France’s colonial-era atrocities.

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