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Tearing down the idols of colonialism in Africa
RAMZY BAROUD explains why Tunisia and many other African nations must take this moment to demand a French apology for centuries of brutal colonialism
French colonial poster

THE visit by newly elected Tunisian President Kais Saied to France on June 22 was intended to discuss bilateral relations, trade, etc. But it was also a missed opportunity for Tunisia to have formally demanded an apology from France for the decades of French colonialism, which have shattered the social and political fabric of this North African Arab nation since the late 19th century.

A heated debate at the Tunisian parliament prior to Saied’s trip highlighted the significance of the issue to Tunisians, who are still reeling under the process of socio-economic and political transitions following the popular uprising in 2011.

Sadly, the Tunisian parliament rejected a motion put forward by the centrist Karama coalition calling for a French apology, despite a 15-hour-long debate.

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