Larbaoui: The Sakiet Sidi Youssef Massacre—A Stain of Shame on France’s Colonial History and a Testament to Algerian-Tunisian Solidarity

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | February 8th, 2025 — Entrusted by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algerian Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui co-chaired on Saturday, alongside Tunisian Prime Minister Kamel Madouri, the solemn commemoration of the 67th anniversary of the Sakiet Sidi Youssef massacre. The ceremony, held at the historic site of the tragic events, was marked by high-level participation from ministerial delegations, local officials from both nations, and representatives of the revolutionary families, underscoring the enduring solidarity between Algeria and Tunisia.

A Tribute to a Shared Sacrifice and a Legacy of Resistance

The commemoration commenced with a ceremonial welcome for Prime Minister Larbaoui at the Algeria-Tunisia border crossing, where he was received by his Tunisian counterpart. The two leaders then convened a bilateral meeting at the Sakiet Sidi Youssef municipality headquarters, reaffirming the exceptional relations between the two brotherly nations and exploring avenues to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various strategic sectors. This dialogue aligned with the visionary policies of Presidents Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Kaïs Saïed, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening historic ties and advancing mutual prosperity.

Following the discussions, the Algerian and Tunisian delegations proceeded to the Sakiet Sidi Youssef memorial, where they paid solemn tribute to the victims of the ruthless French colonial bombardment on February 8, 1958. In a poignant moment of remembrance, both sides recited the Fatiha of the Holy Quran in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in a brutal act of colonial aggression that remains deeply ingrained in the collective memory of both nations.

Speaking before a high-level Algerian and Tunisian delegation, Larbaoui denounced the 1958 attack as a brutal and unforgivable crime that forever stains the historical record of French colonialism.

Larbaoui emphasized that the tragic events of Sakiet Sidi Youssef stand as a beacon of the shared struggle against colonial oppression and a stark reminder of the ruthless tactics deployed by France. He underscored that the massacre, which saw indiscriminate bombing of civilians, is a glaring testament to France’s hypocrisy in claiming to uphold civilization while perpetrating one of the most heinous crimes in history. The attack, he stated, exemplified France’s use of prohibited weaponry, collective punishment, and systematic repression in its desperate attempt to suppress the Algerian liberation movement.

A Testament to Colonial Brutality and a Symbol of Algerian-Tunisian Unity

The Algerian Prime Minister described the February 8, 1958, bombardment of Sakiet Sidi Youssef by French colonial forces as a stark illustration of the savagery of colonial rule. He noted that France sought to collectively punish not only Algerians but also any nation or people who dared to support their just cause. The Tunisian village, which had provided refuge and aid to the Algerian National Liberation Army, was subjected to a relentless aerial assault that claimed the lives of innocent civilians, including women and children.

Larbaoui affirmed that the annual commemoration of this massacre serves as an eternal tribute to the noble values of sacrifice, resilience, and unity that defined the Algerian and Tunisian struggle against colonialism. He praised the unbreakable bond forged in blood between the two nations, stating that the massacre remains deeply embedded in their collective memory as a symbol of fraternal solidarity. This historic episode, he asserted, continues to inspire future generations to uphold the principles of unity and shared destiny, particularly in an era of complex regional and international challenges.

Advancing Algerian-Tunisian Cooperation in Honor of a Shared Struggle

Turning to contemporary Algerian-Tunisian relations, Larbaoui hailed the exceptional and evolving partnership between the two nations. He highlighted the progress achieved in deepening bilateral cooperation, describing it as a model of regional integration and complementarity. He specifically referenced the outcomes of the Joint Algerian-Tunisian Committee for the Development of Border Areas, which convened in Algiers in January 2024. This high-level framework, he noted, has laid the groundwork for pragmatic and impactful projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of border communities.

Furthermore, he announced that a follow-up committee to accelerate the implementation of these initiatives is set to convene in January 2025, signaling a strong commitment to sustainable and strategic collaboration.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Larbaoui reaffirmed the unwavering determination of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to deepen Algeria’s historic ties with Tunisia. He emphasized that both Tebboune and his Tunisian counterpart, President Kaïs Saïed, share a resolute vision of elevating bilateral relations to their highest potential, ensuring that cooperation between the two nations reflects the sacrifices of their forefathers.

The commemoration of the Sakiet Sidi Youssef massacre stands as a solemn yet powerful reminder of the sacrifices endured by both Algerians and Tunisians in their struggle against colonial oppression. It also serves as a testament to the unshakable alliance between the two nations, which continues to thrive through deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. The event reaffirmed Algeria and Tunisia’s shared resolve to preserve historical memory while forging ahead with strategic collaborations for a future anchored in unity, sovereignty, and mutual development.

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