Benjamin Stora calls for a holistic approach to the memory file

Speaking at the 29th Algiers International Book Fair, historian Benjamin Stora stated that resolving historical disputes concerning the colonial era requires more than just formal apologies. He advocated for a comprehensive strategy encompassing archives, education, and testimonies. Stora highlighted that many in France lack a proper understanding of the colonial system and the Algerian national movement, emphasizing the need for widespread educational efforts. Presenting his latest book on the power of images during the Algerian War of Independence, he characterized the progress on the 2021 memory report as mixed. While acknowledging positive steps such as the repatriation of Algerian resistance fighters' remains, he noted a current slowdown in the process, which he attributes to political pressures from the far-right in France.