France’s Unseen Atrocities: The Shadow of Chemical Warfare in Algeria’s Independence Struggle BODY: Algiers, Algeria – A somber chapter of history has been illuminated by new evidence of the French army’s illegal deployment of chemical weapons during the Algerian War of Independence. Testimonies and historical documents have emerged, casting a stark light on France’s clandestine use of these banned agents in the face of international law.
The war, spanning 1954 to 1962, was characterized by brutal guerrilla warfare and human rights abuses. Amidst the turmoil, the French military established a Special Weapons Unit in 1956, which deployed the CN2D gas—a toxic chemical weapon reminiscent of World War I—to target Algerian fighters in mountainous caves. Estimated at 8,000 to 10,000 incidents, these attacks have only been partially documented, with only 440 attacks confirmed.
One of the deadliest occurrences took place at Ghar Ben Shatouh in 1959, where around 150 civilians perished.
The employment of chemical weapons was a flagrant violation of the 1925 Geneva Protocol, an agreement France had itself signed.
The documentary “Toxic Colonisation “presents a chilling portrayal of these events, featuring accounts from former French soldiers and Algerian fighters. This revelation has reignited a discourse on the lasting effects of colonialism and the ethical obligations of nations engaged in conflicts. Despite France’s formal ban on chemical weapons coming in 1993, more than three decades post-independence, the act remains a haunting part of the nation’s past.
As the nation confronts this dark legacy, the calls for accountability and transparency grow louder.
The uncovering of these events underscores the imperative for a thorough investigation into the use of chemical weapons during the Algerian War and the need for full disclosure of all relevant information to facilitate healing and reconciliation between Algeria and France.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
