The Black Population in the Maghreb and the obstacles of Integrations: Algeria as a Model

The period of prohibiting slavery forms a crucial period in the integration of new societies to which they belong to.  However, to what extent can the Blacks in North Africa, Algeria in particular, form an identity of their own; or emerge as a part of the country’s’ identity which will shape starting from the year 1962 their new homeland. 

The abolition of slavery, has helped in the formation of a minority within the Algerian society. Where slaves were not considered (the moment they were brought) or Blacks (the moment they were freed later on) a part of the society they lived in.  Their relationship with the place was always associated with their master. There is no  doubt that the Algerian society, through its local, and foreigner “European” aspects , has played a role in the marginalizing Blacks felt in Algeria. This marginalization has continued throughout the French colonization period,  and throughout the  post slavery era. On the other hand, it did not end at this point, on the contrary the marginalization and exclusionism of Black Algerians has increased- probably unintentionally- during the national liberation and post independence period. 

This paper seeks to examine the extent to which post independence polices have succeeded in considering Blacks a part of Algeria’s identity, just like the Europeans- former settlers-  who choose Algeria as a country of their own under the authority of the Algerian state. This paper will also study the evolvement of the concept “Black” in north African societies during the occupation era, and how they were perceived after independence?

To what extend is the Black society responsible for the cocooning Blacks experienced before and after the Algerian emancipation? Wherein Blacks were residing in nearby areas from African origins,  while still remaining within the Algerian borders. They took the south of Algeria as a place of refuge for them, where coastal and northern areas in Algeria have witnessed a large scale of immigration towards southern Algeria. Was there a policy behind transferring Blacks towards remote areas in the South, or has this type of immigration appeared so as to preserve African identity in Algeria post to its independence?

What are the reasons that have led to making the integration of Blacks in the Algerian society so difficult, despite the fact that leaders of the national Algerian movement have stressed on equality and the notion of not discriminating amid Algerians regardless of their origin, color, or gender. Also there are many strict and implicit regulations to fight racism. Although officially there is no racism, no Black Algerian has ever been employed in high position jobs in the state, such as the position of a decision maker.

Black minority and groups can be found in every Arab country and are considered a part of the demographic composition. But the question posed here is, to what extent do these Blacks form a part of the national identity of the country which they belong to, culturally, scientifically and athletically …etc; ever since some of the Maghreb states have considered “Blacks’ culture” as a part of the country’s folklore -such as Gnawa in Morocco and Algeria