Historian Benjamin Stora has expressed skepticism about the resumption of work by a joint Algerian-French commission of historians focused on shared memory. During a visit to the Algiers International Book Fair, Stora stated that he does not foresee a restart of the commission's work in the near future. However, he left the door open for a potential revival in the more distant future, contingent upon a genuine willingness to confront the colonial past.
Stora emphasized that the essential work on Algerian-French memory has yet to begin. He noted that 132 years of colonial domination cannot be addressed through isolated initiatives. Instead, he advocated for patient, long-term research capable of tackling sensitive subjects. The historian cited several areas that remain unexplored, including confiscated lands, massacres, suppressed uprisings, and the profound impact of colonization on Algerian society.
Stora's assessment aligns with recent obstacles, as France continues to restrict access to certain archives related to the Algerian War, hindering the work of researchers from both countries. Despite some progress, such as France's acknowledgment of responsibility in the deaths of Ali Boumendjel and Maurice Audin, and recognition of the 1961 massacres, many dossiers remain blocked. Stora pointed to the lack of progress on the consequences of French nuclear tests in the Sahara and documents related to chemical warfare.
The historian expressed concern about a potential backlash against existing recognitions. With the rise of the far right in French politics, Stora warned that previously acknowledged facts may be contested. He stressed the importance of transmitting established facts to future generations, ensuring they are well-documented and resistant to ideological challenges. This concern for transmission resonates particularly in Algeria, where commemoration of the revolution's start, 72 years ago, mobilizes institutions and families of martyrs annually.
Stora's visit to Algiers coincided with the release of his latest book, "Un historien et des images. L'Algérie en guerre 1954-1962." In this work, he examines how visual media, including photographs, films, and reports, shaped collective representations of the conflict in both France and Algeria. Stora emphasized that images not only illustrate history but also contribute to its construction.
The historian expressed his emotional connection to being in Algiers on November 1st, a date that holds both historical and personal significance for him. Stora's work has largely focused on the Algerian War, and he acknowledged the importance of this period in shaping his research. Algeria recently passed a law criminalizing French colonization, which includes some of the themes Stora highlighted as remaining unaddressed.
Stora's comments on the challenges facing the joint historical commission and the importance of preserving memory come at a critical time. As Algeria and France navigate their complex past, Stora's work and warnings underscore the need for continued dialogue and research. The historian's emphasis on patient, long-term research and the importance of transmission to future generations serves as a reminder of the ongoing work required to address the legacy of colonialism.
Key points
- Historian Benjamin Stora doubts the near-term resumption of joint Algerian-French historical commission work.
- Stora emphasizes the need for patient, long-term research to address the complex legacy of colonialism.
- The historian warns of a potential backlash against existing recognitions of France's colonial past.
