During the Cold War and at the end of World War II, France began its military nuclear program and conducted tests of its first nuclear devices, which would eventually form the basis of its nuclear arsenal. Algeria was chosen as the location for France’s first nuclear experiments, followed by French Polynesia (Mururoa and Fangataufa). Charles De Gaulle, who served as the President of France from 1959 to 1969, viewed the Sahara Desert as an ideal experimental ground.
Through this article, we aim to revisit and shed light on a lesser-known chapter of French colonial history in Algeria. Also, we are going to narrate the protracted effects of the former French presence in Algeria as well as showing how this dark period continues to fuel significant diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Although these nuclear tests occurred decades ago, they remain a current and pressing issue, as the consequences of French colonization are still felt today.
From 1960 to 1966, France conducted 17 nuclear tests in Algeria’s Sahara Desert. Four of these were the atmospheric explosions at Reggane — from February 1960 to April 1961 — and the other thirteen were underground tests at In Ekker — from November 1961 to February 1966).
In addition to testing nuclear bombs, France also experimented with other military technologies and weapons. The first test, codenamed Gerboise Bleue (Blue Jerboa), was detonated in the early hours of 13 February 1960. The bomb, named after a small desert rodent, had an estimated yield of about 60-70 kilotons, roughly four times the strength of the bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima in August 1945. Following Gerboise Bleue, France conducted three additional tests: Gerboise Blanche (White Jerboa) on 1 April 1960, Gerboise Rouge (Red Jerboa) on 27 December 1960, and Gerboise Verte (Green Jerboa) on 25 April 1961.
To facilitate these experiments, France constructed the Centre Saharien d’Expérimentations Militaires (CSEM) in Reggane. This center was part of a broader large testing area spanning about 100,000 square kilometers, which included roads, workshops, and other necessary infrastructure.
Nowadays, Algerian researchers estimate that the nuclear tests left behind a huge radioactive fallout that spread across Algeria.
The nuclear tests left behind radioactive fallout that spread across Algeria and parts of North West, and Central Africa. The contamination persists to this day with radioactive fallout from the nuclear tests causing significant health issues, including cancers and birth defects that continue to affect the population.
The environmental consequences of these nuclear tests have also been profound and continue to impact the population today. Many individuals suffer from radiation-induced illnesses, with a particularly alarming number of children born with disabilities. Respiratory diseases and cancers remain prevalent in the affected areas.
Various organizations, such as L’Association Taourirt, have mobilized to help those affected by the radiation exposure. Founded by Boubaker Ibbeh, this association collects testimonies from survivors and raises awareness about the persistent dangers of radioactive sites. It documents the health effects, including diseases and congenital malformations, which continue to afflict the local population. According to a 2012 estimate by the Algérie Presse Service (APS), the nuclear tests conducted in 1962 led to at least 30,000 Algerians falling ill.
The contamination of the land, including underground water sources, soil and vegetation, has made agriculture in the region difficult, leading to the endangerment of food supplies. These effects are not confined to Algeria, including neighboring countries such as Libya, Tunisia, Mali, and Morocco, which means that this has turned into a regional issue that concerns much of North Africa.
These environmental and health repercussions, however, are difficult to measure due to the lack of comprehensive studies comparing conditions before and after the tests. The absence of access to nuclear test archives has further hindered the investigation. Much of the available information comes from personal testimonies of residents who continue to experience health problems and ongoing contamination.
Algeria has repeatedly called for compensation from France for the contamination of its lands. The ongoing dispute over these nuclear tests remains a point of tension in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. France bears the responsibility to clean up the nuclear waste and decontaminate the affected areas.
Several documentaries have addressed the issue, such as Vent de Sable and L’Algérie and De Gaulle et la Bombe, directed by Larbi Benchiha respectively in 2008 and 2010. These works highlight the irreversible effects of the French nuclear experiments and the significant damage they caused to the environment and the local populations, particularly nomadic groups such as the Tuaregs.
We can assert that the nuclear tests in Algeria remain a controversial and painful subject, symbolizing a dark chapter in the history of French colonization that has yet to be fully addressed. The legacy of these tests continues to have severe ramifications, both for the people of Algeria and for the broader North African region. A relaunch of discussion regarding the conditions for compensating Algerian citizens could be a path to de-escalating tensions between the two countries. To date, only one Algerian has been compensated by the French government, a figure insignificant compared to the number of people affected by nuclear projects undertaken by France in the last century.
By Firdaous Bouhassoun
April 12, 2025
