Former Algerian official accused France of committing atrocities in Algeria, seeking to exterminate its people
The Algerian Revolution, which began on November 1, 1954, and led to Algeria’s independence from France on July 5, 1962, is a powerful source of inspiration for Arab peoples and oppressed groups worldwide.
It was a struggle against French colonial domination, marked by brutal repression including the alleged use of internationally prohibited weapons such as nuclear testing in the Algerian Sahara, which has caused lasting harm to the local population.
The revolution symbolized a fight not only for Algerian sovereignty but also for human dignity, influencing liberation movements across Africa and the Arab world.
Algeria commemorates this pivotal historical event annually through official ceremonies featuring political, cultural, and artistic programs that honor the sacrifices made.
The revolution also played a foundational role in fostering pan-Arab unity and anti-colonial resistance, with figures like Egyptian leader Nasser expressing solidarity with the independence fighters.
Algeria continues to call on France to acknowledge and apologize for its colonial crimes, including the nuclear tests that affected the health of southern Algerians, reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
These commemorations serve as a reminder of Algeria’s resilience and a call for justice and recognition of its historical experience.
