Algeria pursues nuclear site cleanup independently amid French refusal to share archives

The Algerian Ministry of National Defense has commenced the second phase of decontamination efforts at the former 'Béryl 2E' nuclear test site in In Ekker, Tamanrasset. Launched on the anniversary of the War of Independence, this mission is being carried out entirely through domestic expertise and resources. The initiative highlights the ongoing issue regarding France's refusal to provide maps and official records of the 17 nuclear tests conducted in the Sahara between 1960 and 1967. Despite the lack of cooperation from Paris, Algeria is committed to the total remediation of contaminated sites in both In Ekker and Reggane, ensuring that all hazardous nuclear waste collection and storage processes strictly adhere to international safety and environmental standards.