“Why a book?” I wonder. The Monument aux victimes de l’Afrique-du-Nord stands here as a tribute. It commemorates those who died for France in North Africa. The years of conflict were from 1952 to 1962. This memorial is in the Père-Lachaise cemetery. It honors soldiers in the Algerian War. It also remembers those in conflicts in Morocco and Tunisia.
Let’s delve into the monument’s history. Bertrand Delanoë, Paris’s mayor, promised this memorial in 2001. The city council approved the tribute in September 2001. Despite agreement on honoring the fallen, not all agreed with the memorial’s scope. Some felt it should include all victims. This would include non-combatants too. Alain Riou suggested a monument to peace. It would celebrate all victims of the conflicts. This would include those from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and France.
George Sarre highlighted a key point. No specific monument honored the Parisian fighters. About 750 Parisians died in these conflicts. This was a major request from veterans. Patrick Bloche said the project faced the past. France and Paris chose to confront their history. This history included denied battles and heroism. It also included the young men thrown into conflict. It was a conflict called “events” or “operations”. It was not yet considered a war.
The first stone was laid on March 19, 2002. This was the 40th anniversary of the Algerian cease-fire. The Monument aux victimes de l’Afrique-du-Nord was inaugurated on February 3, 2003.
The monument itself is a stele. It symbolizes a book of remembrance. It stands 2.80 meters tall. The names of 747 Parisians are inscribed on it. They died or disappeared during the conflict. The monument’s total cost was 271,807.25 euros excluding tax.
You can find the Monument aux victimes de l’Afrique-du-Nord in the Père-Lachaise cemetery’s memorial section. It is near monuments for World War victims. It is also close to the Gambetta entrance. Specifically, it’s in the 88th division. Nearby, you’ll see steles for the OAS victims. There is also a memorial for the missing of the Abdellys.
The Monument aux victimes de l’Afrique-du-Nord serves as a place for reflection. It encourages remembrance of a difficult period. It also offers a space to honor the Parisians who lost their lives. It is a place to reflect on the complexities of war. It also recognizes the importance of acknowledging all victims.