Algeria Independance Day

The 61th anniversary of Algeria's independence: the struggle of the “Country of One Million Martyrs” and Egypt's role in nurturing the Algerian revolution

The brotherly people of Algeria are celebrating today the 61th anniversary of independence. The country’s accession to independence has cost more than one million and a half martyrs, as the French maintained colonial control over Algeria for 133 years, plundering the country’s resources, seeking to obliterate the Algerian identity and hindering the growth of its civilization, and suppressing all Algerian opposition groups and pressuring them in the most horrific brutal ways. However, the colonial practices failed to stand against the struggle and resistance of the Algerian people, as well as their determination to defend their land. The popular resistance erupted in all parts of Algeria, and the struggle continued until the Algerian liberation revolution broke out in 1954 declaring the war on the French and the near collapse of their power. The revolution lasted for seven years, and the the blood of the martyrs watered the country in order to achieve liberation, until this struggle was culminated in the accession to independence on 3 July 1962. The 5th of July was then chosen to celebrate Independence Day and Youth Day all together.

On the Egyptian side, Egypt, under late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, supported the Algerian struggle against colonialism, espoused the Algerian liberation revolution and provided it with all means of military, material, political and moral support as well. President Gamal Abdel Nasser received President Ben Bella who led the Algerian Liberation Front, and discussed  with him ways to arm the Algerian resistance. Ben Bella explained that Egypt had provided him from the beginning with great support, which enabled the the Algerian revolution to continue operating, and the National Liberation Front succeeded in waging battles throughout Algeria. It is worth noting that Egypt was subjected to the tripartite aggression because of its support for the Algerian struggle and revolution.

Hence, the Algerian National Liberation Front issued a statement saying: "No Algerian can forget that the sister Egypt was subjected to a heinous aggression of which the country has been a victim due to its support to the struggling Algerian people, and no Algerian can forget the fact that the victory of the Egyptian people in the historical battle of Port Said is the victory of one front from many others struggle fronts that have been taking place in Algeria for 38 months. The Algerian people engaged in its great liberation battle expresses to the brotherly Egyptian people and its immortal hero Gamal Abdel Nasser the noblest emotions of brotherhood and solidarity. Long live Arabism! Long live the Arabs under the flag of independence, pride and glory!”

The independence anniversary this year is celebrated in a new light, as Algeria happens to recover the remains of the leaders of the Algerian popular resistance after more than 170 years since it was smuggled to the Paris Museum by the brute French colonialist entity.

Happy Independence Day to our beloved Algerian People.