French Ambassador Returns to Algeria for 1945 Massacre Commemorations

France's ambassador to Algeria, Stéphane Romatet, returned to Algiers on Friday to attend official commemorations of the May 8, 1945, massacres in Setif. Romatet had been recalled to Paris in April 2025. The timing of his return aligns with the 81st anniversary of the events in Setif, Guelma and Kherrata.

A junior minister in charge of veterans, Alice Rufo, laid a wreath during the ceremony in Setif on May 8, 2026. The French government described the events as tragic in an official statement released that morning. The statement said the repression of demonstrations in those cities lasted several weeks and caused thousands of victims.

Historical records cited in the statement indicate that between 15,000 and 20,000 Algerians were killed, compared to about 100 Europeans. The presidential palace said it is the truth of history and France's honor to face it. The return of the ambassador forms part of a new offer of political and historical appeasement.

Bilateral relations between France and Algeria have been in their most severe crisis since 1962. The ambassador's recall in April 2025 marked a low point in ties. Officials have not indicated whether the latest steps will resolve outstanding issues between the two countries.

Algerian demonstrators had taken to the streets on May 8, 1945, in several eastern cities. French forces responded with a crackdown that extended over multiple weeks.