France returns remains of Algerian fighters

After decades in a French museum, the skulls of 24 Algerians who fought French colonial forces were formally repatriated to Algeria on Friday.

Algeria's president welcomed them home before they were brought to the capital Algiers large Culture Palace conference venue, where the public will be able to pay their respects before their coffins.

They then will be buried Sunday. The day also marks the 58th anniversary of Algeria's independence from France.

The return of the skulls was the result of years of negotiations between Algerian and French officials, and comes amid a growing global reckoning with the legacy of colonialism.

Earlier, a 21-gun salute thundered from Algiers' international airport as a military plane touched down, carrying the remains. Boats in the ports of Algiers sounded their horns to welcome the arrival.