Algeria reinstates controversial reference to France in national anthem

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has signed a presidential decree on Saturday to reinstate a segment into the Algerian national anthem that includes an unfavourable reference to France.

The decree, published in the official gazette, said that the national anthem should be performed in its "complete form", including "all five verses" at official events, including commemorations, celebrations and other occasions.

The move means that a previously omitted verse of the anthem 'Kassaman' (The Pledge) was now mandatory.

The reinstated verse of the anthem - which was adopted in 1962 after Algeria gained independence from France in a long and violent war - explicitly mentions France, promising "a day of reckoning".

The verse says: "O France, the time of reproof is over, And we have ended it as a book is ended; O France, this is the day of reckoning, So prepare to receive from us our answer!"

The segment was previously removed to avoid awkwardness with Paris, especially during the period when Algeria was facing economic difficulties due to the oil crisis in the 1980s.

Saturday's move came amid escalating political tensions between Algiers and Paris as historical grievances continue to impact the relationship.

Algerian-French ties fell into crisis in late 2021 after controversial comments on Algerian history by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Algeria has been critical of France's colonial past and has called for recognition and apologies for the injustices committed during its colonial rule.