The French State has decided toexpand the list of host sites for Harkisthe latter which had been abandoned by France at the end of the Algerian-French conflict.
The initiative follows the law recognizing France towards the Harkis that had been adopted by the French National Assembly in 2021.
Thousands of them and their descendants will be eligible for further compensation for having stayed in these structures between 1962 and 1975, in conditions often unworthy ».
According to Emmanuel Macron’s government, until 14,000 additional people could be compensated following this decision based on the recommendations of the first annual report of the Independent National Commission for the Recognition and Reparation of Harkis Suffered (CNIH), presented to the French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne.
French government press release.
France, which seeks to catch up with the Harkis
In recent years, France has taken several measures to meet the demands of the harkie community.
Outgoing French President François Hollande acknowledged in 2016 the responsibility of France in the abandonment of the Harkis after the war in Algeria. According to him, France betrayed his promise to them.
In 2021, President Emmanuel Macron announced a set of measures aimed at responding to their requests as well as those of their families. These measures included the creation of a foundation for the memory of the Harkis, the opening of compensation funds and the implementation of an action plan to improve access to social rights and employment for this community.
While some express relief at these measures, others note that these measures are late and insufficient to respond fully to the demands of these people and their families.
