Algerian War:independence in 1962

Scene of popular jubilation after the proclamation of the independence of Algeria on July 3, 1962 • BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

Negotiations between belligerents began in Switzerland in 1961. On March 18, 1962, representatives of the French government and those of the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic (GPRA) signed agreements in Évian announcing the end of hostilities on March 19 at noon.

In reality, many attacks are still claimed by the OAS after the ceasefire, and the Algerian provisional government proceeds to the purification of the combatants like the harkis, to the kidnapping and the assassination of French people from mainland France. and black feet. But the date of March 19 remains symbolic. France recognizes Algerian independence. It does not claim any particular definitive status for the French in Algeria and it accepts the integration into Algeria of the Sahara, with its hydrocarbon reserves. The signatories also undertake to renounce all legal proceedings following the ceasefire, considering that only a reciprocal amnesty for crimes committed by the other side can allow the restoration of peace. Moreover, neither side wishes to prosecute its own criminals, whose acts it ordered or covered up.

Cooperate despite everything

The agreements provide for the consultation of Algerians by referendum for or against independence. While waiting for the ballot, a French high commissioner cohabits with a provisional Algerian executive. The 1 ^st July 1962, the referendum gives a majority of 99.72% to the supporters of independence. It proclaims the full sovereignty of the future State, guarantees the freedom and security of its inhabitants, in particular the French in Algeria – a million of them nevertheless leave the territory in the face of violence –, and establishes the principles of cooperation. economic, financial, cultural and technical between the two States.

This is how France obtained the presence of 80,000 soldiers on Algerian territory until 1965, the concession of the bases of Mers el-Kébir and Bou Sfer for 15 years and that of Saharan rocket test sites and of atomic bombs for 5 years. In the event of a dispute, it is agreed to appeal to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. These agreements will be the cause on August 22 of the Petit-Clamart attack against de Gaulle, who emerges alive from the assassination attempt.