The Harkis were Algerian Muslims who served as auxiliaries in the French Army during the Algerian War (1954-1962). Here are key details regarding their history and context:
Background
- The term "Harki" is derived from the Arabic word "harka," which means movement or raid, originally referring to units of soldiers raised to combat nomadic raiders.
- During the Algerian War, the French military employed local Algerians to bolster their forces against the National Liberation Front (FLN), the primary group fighting for Algerian independence.
Role During the War
- Harkis were primarily used for reconnaissance, patrolling, and as guides due to their knowledge of the local terrain and population.
- Estimates suggest that between 150,000 to 200,000 Algerians served as Harkis, with the exact numbers being hard to pin down due to the fluid nature of their recruitment.
- They were often seen as collaborators by the FLN, which led to severe repercussions for their families and communities during and after the war.
Post-War Treatment and Repatriation
- With the Evian Accords of 1962, which ended the war, Harkis faced dire consequences. The French government initially abandoned many to the mercy of the newly independent Algerian government.
- Many Harkis and their families were massacred or imprisoned in camps in Algeria after the French withdrawal. Estimates of the number of Harkis killed range from 10,000 to 150,000.
- Some were repatriated to France, but their integration was fraught with challenges:
- They were often placed in makeshift camps with poor living conditions.
- They faced discrimination, social exclusion, and were viewed with suspicion by both the French public and Algerian immigrants.
- Their status was eventually recognized by France, with laws providing for their integration, compensation for their service, and acknowledgment of their suffering. However, the process has been slow and contentious.
Legacy and Memory
- The treatment of Harkis remains a sensitive and controversial topic in France:
- In 2001, President Jacques Chirac acknowledged the responsibility of France towards the Harkis, admitting the abandonment was a "grave mistake."
- Subsequent governments have continued to address the issue, providing some reparations and memorials.
- Their story has been portrayed in various cultural mediums, including films, books, and exhibitions, highlighting their plight and the French-Algerian colonial history.
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