French Colonisation of Algeria
French Colonial Process and Number of Inhabitants by Linear Kilometres of Road
Left: French colonial rule in Algeria began in 1830 and was marked by fierce resistance, land grabs and large-scale European immigration. After World War II, nationalist sentiments rose and the Algerian War broke out in 1954.Algeria gained independence in 1962 through the Evian Agreements, and then experienced political upheaval and economic challenges before civil war broke out in the 1990s. The colonial legacy has had a profound impact on Algerian-French relations.
Right: The population distribution of Algeria decreases in descending order from north to south, which prompted the French authorities to choose the southern Saharan region, which is the least populated, as the site for the nuclear testings.
La prise de Constantine. 13 octobre 1837
French colonial rule in Algeria began in 1830 and lasted until 1962. It was characterized by intense resistance from the local population, large-scale land seizures, and significant European immigration. The struggle for independence culminated in the Algerian War, which began in 1954 and ended with Algeria gaining independence through the Evian Agreements in 1962.
Abstract of Nuclear Testings in Algeria
Available at:https://jerusalem.24fm.ps/3721.html
Between 1960 and 1966, the French government conducted a series of nuclear tests in parts of the Sahara, which at the time was part of French Algeria. The “Algerian Nuclear Tests,” were part of France’s secretive nuclear weapons development program. Carried out at two main sites in the Sahara Desert, namely Reggane and In Ekker, these sites have been described by French military authorities as uninhabited and devoid of flora and fauna in a bid to legitimise their activities.
During this period, a total of 17 nuclear tests were carried out. The testing involved a combination of atmospheric tests, where nuclear devices were detonated in the open air, and underground tests, where the devices were set off beneath the Earth’s surface. The consequences of these tests had, and still have far-reaching environmental and health impacts. Radioactive contamination affects the surrounding areas, causing adverse effects on both the environment and local communities. Reports indicated health issues among local residents due to radiation exposure. The tests were shrouded in secrecy, while the local population was not informed at all about the potential risks and health hazards associated with these experiments.
Photographic Evidence
Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Between 1960 and 1966, France conducted four atmospheric and thirteen underground nuclear tests in the Reggane region of Algeria. These tests had a serious impact on the local environment and the health of the population and prompted strong condemnation by the international community.
4 Atmospheric Bombing Points
France conducted four nuclear tests at Reggane in the Algerian Sahara: on the BLEUE (13 February 1960), the BLANCHE (1 April 1960), the ROUGE (27 December 1960) and the VERTE (25 April 1961).
Photographic Evidence
13 Underground Bombing Points
In Ekker mountain plan and one of the worst leaks ever
French Government conducted 13 underground nuclear tests in the In Ekker region of Algeria, which began on 7 November 1961 and continued until 16 February 1966.
The Béryl nuclear test (E2) was an underground nuclear test conducted by France on 1 May 1962 at In Ekker in the Algerian Sahara. The failure of the sealing of the test device led to the accidental leakage of radioactive material, releasing large quantities of radiation and contaminating the surrounding environment.
Impact on Neighbouring Village
After 13 underground experiments at In Ekker, radioactive dust blew with the wind towards a distant village——called Mertoutek.