Algerians recall legendary fight against French colonialism

President Tebboune pays tribute to memory of Liberation War martyrs

ALGIERS: President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Monday paid tribute to the memory of the martyrs of the glorious Liberation War at the Algiers Martyr Sanctuary, on the occasion of the celebration of the 59th anniversary of the Independence and Youth Day. Algerians celebrated their 59th Independence Day on Monday,
recalling the heavy price that they paid to gain freedom from the French colonial rule. The French rule in the North African country with a Mediterranean coastline ended on July 5, 1962. The struggle against occupation left around one and a half million people dead, affecting every household in the country. Even 60 years later, France is yet to act against perpetrators of genocide, torture, murder or even to compensate the country for such actions committed by its forces.

“Algerians are very proud of their legendary fight and armed struggle against the French,” Abdennour Toumi, an expert in North African studies at the Ankara-based Center for Middle Eastern Studies (ORSAM). They braved human atrocities committed by a nation which calls itself a champion of human rights and equality, he added. Abdelmadjid Bouguedra, the son of a war veteran who fought against the French rule, told Anadolu Agency that his father joined the struggle at age 16 and was arrested, taken to prison and tortured. “My father used to narrate the travails of Algerians during the 132 years of occupation. But unfortunately, the new generation is unaware of their sacrifices for independence,” he said. “More efforts are needed such that people become more aware about the necessity to preserve this legacy that our forefathers left for us.” Toumi said the generations born after independence are now facing a socioeconomic dilemma at home, looking for a better life abroad. “The real question for these generations is not really a question of collective memory and repentance, but a matter of better life,” he said.