Algerian President condemns France as “Barbaric and Destructive”
Algeria Honors National Martyr Day Commemorating Struggle Against French Colonization
Algeria President Abdulmecid Tebbun recently issued a message commemorating the sacrifices made by the Algerian people during their long struggle against French colonial rule from 1830 to 1962. The message was released in honor of “February 18 National Martyr Day”, a day dedicated to remembering those who fought and died for Algeria’s independence.
In his statement, President Tebbun highlighted the brutal tactics used by the French colonial forces to suppress the Algerian people for over 130 years. He emphasized the resilience and determination of the Algerian people in overcoming colonial oppression and ultimately gaining their freedom.
The struggle for Algerian independence began on November 1, 1954, in response to French colonization that began in the 1830s. The fierce resistance efforts led to Algeria finally gaining independence in 1962 after a costly struggle that saw the loss of approximately 1.5 million lives.
Human rights organizations and historians have documented the atrocities committed by the French colonial forces during their occupation of Algeria, including massacres and deportations that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Algerians. The Algerian Human Rights Defense Union estimates that around 10 million people lost their lives during the colonial period.
Despite the overwhelming evidence of the crimes committed in Algeria, France has yet to officially acknowledge or apologize for its actions during this period. The legacy of French colonialism in Algeria remains a contentious issue, symbolizing one of the darkest chapters in Africa’s history.
Every year on February 18, Algeria commemorates National Martyr Day as a solemn tribute to the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives in the fight against the French colony. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Algerian people in their pursuit of freedom and independence.
