Macron to Algerian Harkis: I Ask for Forgiveness

On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron asked for forgiveness, on behalf of his country, from the Algerian fighters, the Harkis, who fought for France during the Algerian war, announcing the adoption of a bill 'of recognition and reparation' soon.

Addressing the fighters in an honoring ceremony in Paris, the French President added, "You have our gratitude, we will not forget. I ask forgiveness, we will not forget. The honor of the Harkis must be etched in the national memory."

The French President met at the Elysee Palace with the Harkis who fought alongside the French troops during the Algerian war of liberation to honor them.

French historians, in coordination with associations and representatives of the Harkis, prepared a 188-page report on the situation of the Harkis and their families since they arrived in France after the announcement of the ceasefire agreement on March 19, 1962, which paved the way for Algeria's independence on July 5 of that year. 

Earlier, the French President decided to facilitate access to the secret archives that are more than 50 years old, especially those related to the Algerian war, as per the recommendation of the historian Benjamin Stora, who wrote a report on the colonial era in Algeria with the aim of determining the responsibility of France in this regard.

Macron also admitted, "in the name of France," that the French army had "tortured and assassinated" in 1957 the Algerian fighter Ali Boumendjel who did not commit suicide, as was promoted at the time to cover up the crime.