Florence Beaugé at SILA: France still struggles with its Algerian past

French journalist and author Florence Beaugé attended the Algiers International Book Fair (SILA 2026) to present the expanded edition of her book, "Algeria, a War Without Glory," published by Barzakh. The work explores torture during the Algerian War of Independence and offers insight into the behind-the-scenes challenges of her investigative journalism. Beaugé noted that despite the passage of time since the book’s first release in 2005, the strained relations and mutual misunderstandings between France and Algeria persist. She recounted her investigative journey, sparked by the 2000 testimony of Louisette Ighilahriz, which helped break the silence surrounding wartime atrocities. The author argued that France has long been reluctant to confront its colonial past. Additionally, Beaugé expressed her enthusiasm for the SILA, noting the impressive engagement of young Algerian readers, which she views as a positive sign that literature remains vital in the age of artificial intelligence.