Colonial legacy: Algeria independently tackles French landmines and nuclear waste

Algeria is addressing the long-standing hazards left by the French colonial era, specifically millions of landmines planted along its borders and radioactive waste from nuclear tests in the Sahara. Despite Algeria's consistent requests for the burial maps needed to neutralize these threats, French authorities have refused to cooperate. These landmines, planted in 1962, have killed and maimed thousands of civilians, while radioactive fallout from atmospheric tests continues to cause severe health issues for local populations. Faced with this lack of accountability, the Algerian state has mobilized its own resources. The People's National Army is currently conducting mine clearance and nuclear site decontamination missions using national expertise and equipment. Significant operations were launched on February 14, 2025, and November 1st, reflecting Algeria's determination to clear its territory of these remnants of colonial crimes.