Algeria Demands France Take Responsibility for Nuclear Waste Cleanup in Sahara

Algeria has once again called on France to assume full responsibility for the hazardous nuclear waste left from colonial-era tests in the Sahara, emphasizing the ongoing health and environmental crises.

On Monday, Salah Goudjil, Speaker of the Council of the Nation, reiterated Algeria's demand for France to address the radioactive waste left behind from nuclear tests conducted between 1960 and 1966 in the Algerian Sahara. Speaking during a Senate session on waste management chaired by Environment Minister Nadjiba Djilali, Goudjil highlighted the devastating health and ecological effects on affected communities.

Goudjil urged the Senate committee to include a firm call for France’s accountability in its report and expedite the regulatory measures tied to Algeria’s waste management legislation. He described the demand as a “moral and humanitarian imperative,” emphasizing the need for historical and legal reparations.

The Senate session featured a robust debate on the broader implications of the waste management law. Goudjil praised the thoughtful discussions, underscoring the nation's commitment to environmental justice. A supplementary report by the specialized committee is expected during Thursday’s plenary session to finalize the law's adoption.

From 1960 to 1966, France conducted nuclear tests in the Sahara, leaving behind radioactive contamination that continues to impact local populations. Residents still face severe health issues, including cancer and birth defects, due to the lack of adequate cleanup measures.

Algeria remains steadfast in its demand for France to address the lingering

effects of its colonial-era nuclear tests, framing the issue as a critical matter of justice and accountability.