By Riad Beladi
As we remember the sacrifices of Algeria’s fight for independence, November 1, 1954, stands as a day etched into the nation’s collective memory. This day marks the moment the Algerian people, under the leadership of the National Liberation Front (FLN), rose against over a century of French colonial occupation. The war that followed was not only one of soldiers and battles but also a relentless struggle of Algerian civilians who bore the weight of unimaginable atrocities. The price of freedom was steep, and for countless Algerian families, the memories of pain and resilience remain.
The fight for liberation quickly escalated into one of the most brutal colonial conflicts in modern history. Algerian families endured not only the destruction of villages but also widespread human rights abuses at the hands of the colonial forces. Over 3,000 villages were burned to the ground, displacing countless families and forcing communities into exile or poverty. In cities and rural areas alike, innocent civilians were often accused of supporting the resistance and subjected to torture, forced disappearances, and systematic violence. The Battle of Algiers, in particular, is remembered for the devastating toll it took on those fighting for independence in Algeria’s capital, where many brave individuals suffered for their dedication to the cause.
My own father, Lah yerahmou, was one of these courageous souls. As an active militant in the Battle of Algiers, he faced unspeakable hardships. Captured by French forces, he was moved from camp to camp in the suburbs of Algiers, where he endured brutal torture for two years. The torture inflicted upon him, as on so many others, was meant to break his spirit and crush the movement. But instead, these experiences became the foundation of his strength and his unwavering belief in Algeria’s right to freedom. It is through such personal and painful memories that we understand the true cost of independence, and we honor those who endured and fought, despite unimaginable suffering.
The scars of the Algerian War are also deeply etched into the landscape itself. In the Sahara Desert, where the French military conducted nuclear tests in Reggane, the suffering has been both immediate and enduring. Between 1960 and 1966, France detonated atomic bombs in the heart of the desert, using Algerian civilians—many from the Saharan communities—as unwitting subjects in these nuclear experiments. The fallout from these tests has led to severe, long-lasting health consequences for the local population. Generations later, families in these regions still suffer from increased rates of cancer, birth defects, and environmental contamination, all linked to the radioactive remnants of these tests. Despite overwhelming evidence of the harm inflicted on these communities, France has yet to fully acknowledge the depth of the damage or offer reparations to those affected.
And yet, to this day, France has not formally recognized the Algerian War as a colonial atrocity, nor has a French president ever issued an official apology for the suffering caused. For a nation that prides itself on democratic ideals and human rights, this silence is deafening. Where is the humanity in refusing to confront past wrongs? Where is the democracy that values justice for all people? France’s failure to reckon with this past leaves wounds unhealed and memories unresolved.
November 1st is more than a date in history; it is a call to remembrance and a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Algerian people. We honor the sacrifices made by the countless men, women, and children who suffered for a vision of a free and self-determined Algeria. And as we remember, we call upon France to acknowledge its responsibility, to recognize the pain endured, and to confront the enduring legacy of colonialism.
This day stands as both a tribute to the brave Algerians who gave their lives for freedom and a call to nations worldwide to reckon with their histories. Let this anniversary serve as a reminder that true justice is found not only in liberation but also in acknowledgment, apology, and a commitment to healing the wounds of the past.
France’s silence remains a stark contrast to its vocal advocacy for human rights globally. If France genuinely upholds these values, it must confront its past actions in Algeria. Acknowledging this painful history is a crucial step toward genuine reconciliation, one that could align France’s principles with its practices on the world stage.