The Association of former conscripts in Algeria and their friends against the war (4ACG) is an organization independent of any political institution whose objective is to defend the dignity, integrity and rights of the human person. Remi Serreco-founder of the association, said that despite his modest retirement, he refused veteran’s pension.
It is during the general assembly of the association on March 2023, that the veteran made these revelations. He goes on to quote that he wanted this money be sent back to Algeria so that it can be beneficial to the Algerians who have suffered from the war.
| READ ALSO: ALGERIAN NAVY: The 1st corvette Al-Moutassadi docks at the port of Algiers
The association, created in 2004, now recognizes 400 members. The group of former conscripts decided to send the money back to Algeria to help war victims. The operations are held according to a specific objective: reconcile the Algerian and French peoples.
| READ ALSO: Tribute to FLN lawyer Gisèle Halimi in France: her son boycotts the ceremony
The 4ACG has also supported some thirty cultural or humanitarian projects for almost 1 million d’euros since its inception and funds these projects through veterans’ pensions and membership dues. The entire budget is shared between Algeria (60%) et to Palestine (30%). The remaining 10% is used for finance various actions in countries at war.
An association that positions itself against war and torture
The massage of this grouping is clear: war does not benefit anyone and causes suffering and famine. These members position themselves against war crimes and heavy practices inflicted on prisoners such as torture for example.
| READ ALSO: “Tales from Algeria”: Farah Khodja saves the memories of the war
The Association of former conscripts in Algeria and their friends against the war also intervenes in schools to share their experience. A collaboration with the national association of progressive black feet and their friends (ANPNPA) aims to promote reconciliation between France and Algeria.
The 4ACG association meets college students in Montfaucon sur Moine.
Rémi Serre notably displayed to the students on several occasions the scar of a bullet which crossed his neck, affirming that war is not settled by arms, but by negotiation.
Members of the association are also deeply opposed to torture. Stanislas Hutinthe dean of the association, remembers having given food and drink to prisoners despite the risks involved.
| READ ALSO: Algerian War: when France pays tribute to Ali Boumendjel
He also photographed a 14-year-old Arab boy who had just been tortured, and was able to find him in 2013 after extensive research. The photo was published in his book: Logbook, Algeria November 1955-March 1956.
