Algerian author Chafik Ben Guesmia marked the 72nd anniversary of the country's revolution with a scathing article recalling the atrocities committed by French colonial forces on November 1, 1954. In his piece, Ben Guesmia described the French army as "ignorant and barbaric" and recounted the brutal actions they took against Algerian civilians. He detailed the widespread killings, including of women, children, and elderly people.
According to Ben Guesmia, French soldiers pillaged and plundered Algerian territories, taking valuable treasures that were later displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris as "gifts from the Dey of Algiers". The French army's brutality extended to forcing people into caves, where they were asphyxiated or killed. Those who tried to flee or surrender were also killed, with some being decapitated and their heads taken as trophies.
Ben Guesmia's account also highlighted the cruel treatment of Algerian women, who were subjected to having their earrings ripped out along with parts of their ears, which were then sold. The ears of children, elderly people, and disabled individuals were also cut off, with French soldiers selling them for a profit. The article cited a testimony from a French soldier, who boasted about collecting and selling ears.
The Algerian author's account also mentioned that French soldiers cut off women's wrists to steal their bracelets and boiled human heads in lime to obtain skulls. Some heads were impaled on stakes and left to decompose. These actions were allegedly committed in the name of "civilization".
Ben Guesmia's article also touched on the aftermath of these atrocities, noting that many skulls remain stored in metal cabinets in a museum. He claimed that French authorities have made demands before agreeing to return the skulls, which would allow Algerians to give their deceased a dignified burial.
The article concluded with a quote from René Vautier, who questioned the notion of "civilization" in the context of colonial-era atrocities. Ben Guesmia's piece has sparked reflection on the darker aspects of Algeria's history and the legacy of colonialism.
Chafik Ben Guesmia is a journalist specializing in economics, analysis, and international news at Algerie360. His article is part of a broader commemoration of the November 1, 1954 revolution, which marked the beginning of Algeria's struggle for independence from France.
Key points
- French colonial forces committed widespread atrocities against Algerian civilians on November 1, 1954.
- The atrocities included killings, pillage, and mutilation of bodies.
- Many skulls of victims remain stored in a museum, with Algerian authorities seeking their return.
