In 1830, the French annexed Algeria, and ruled for over 130 years. It was a rule associated with racism, brutality and human rights abuses. The Algerians gained independence in 1962 and the French left the nation in a state of economic and social disarray. In addition to the physical destruction, the exodus of the colons deprived the country of most of its managers, civil servants, engineers, teachers, physicians, and skilled workers–all occupations from which the Muslim population had been excluded or discouraged from pursuing by colonial policy.
Algeria, though rich in oil and other natural resources, was unable to make use of them on its own. Civil war broke out between various militia groups that had once been united in the struggle for freedom, but now wanted power. It is clear that French colonialism has had a tremendous impact on Algeria and its development. For thirty years after independence, government forces continued to clash with militant groups and hundred of thousands of lives have been lost in the process.
Whenever the government has sought to bring reform in the political system, an extremist group has protested and killed innocent civilians. An example of this took place in 1996, when President Liamine Zeroual signed new constitutional reforms, which banned political parties that are formed on the basis of religion or language. These reforms led to an escalation of violence with wide spread massacres and atrocities being committed. The war continued with an estimated toll of 80,000 victims, most of who were civilians.
