Algeria has called on France to officially acknowledge full responsibility for the “nuclear crimes” it committed on Algerian soil between 1960 and 1966, according to Ibrahim Boughali, President of the Algerian People’s National Assembly (the lower house of parliament).
Speaking on Thursday at a symposium marking the anniversary of France’s first nuclear test in Algeria on February 13, 1960, Boughali stated:
« We unanimously demand France’s official recognition of its full responsibility for these nuclear crimes. »
He further emphasized that a mere « vague political acknowledgment » would not suffice, stressing the need for a clear moral commitment from France.
France conducted its first nuclear test, known as « Blue Jerboa, » on February 13, 1960, in the Reggane desert in southern Algeria. According to official Algerian sources, France continued these tests in the same regions until 1966.
Boughali revealed that a total of 17 nuclear explosions were carried out by France in the region, adding that « their devastating effects continue to haunt us to this day. »
