Abstract

The problem of the decolonization of African countries continues to be a subject of an ongoing discussion, and this direction is one of the most promising in modern historiography. This article analyzes the development of a new format of Franco-Algerian relations after Algeria had gained independence, putting it in the context of political, socio-economic, cultural and linguistic interaction between the two countries. The research topic seems relevant in connection with the sixtieth anniversary of the signing of the Évian Accords, which proclaimed the end of the war for the national liberation of Algeria (1954–1962). Once the agreements had been signed, the parties had to deal with the task of putting them into practice. Both states were faced with the challenge to build relations based on the principles of relative equality, political, economic and cultural cooperation. The difficulties that inevitably arose during the formation of the young Algerian state (acute lack of financial resources, limited technical capacities, lack of qualifi ed personnel) allowed France to strengthen its position in Algeria by providing economic and humanitarian assistance to the former colonial possession. Algeria, having been for a long time under the direct control of the French Republic, was not able to compete with the former metropolis, which was politically and economically strong. The article discusses the main directions and results of the policy of the French government towards the independent Algerian Republic within a short but critical period – March–December 1962. It is concluded that the Évian Accords became the basis for the formation of Franco-Algerian relations, and outlined the main vectors and criteria for interstate cooperation. Nevertheless, the practical implementing of these agreements showed that the plans outlined by France had failed. The neo-colonialist nature of French policy caused complications in cooperation with Algeria. In this regard, the leadership of the Fifth Republic was forced to respond quickly and revise its policy in this area, to develop new ways of building relations with Algeria for nearest future and in the long haul.