الأربعاء، 26 فبراير 2025 
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | October 17th, 2024 — In solemn remembrance of one of the darkest and indelible chapters in Algeria’s history, a minute of silence was observed across the nation on Thursday to honor the martyrs of the October 17, 1961 massacre. This annual commemoration, established by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in 2021, serves as a powerful reminder of the brutal killings of peaceful Algerian demonstrators in Paris by French colonial authorities.
At precisely 11:00 AM, key institutions across Algeria paused to pay tribute to the victims who, 63 years ago, were gunned down or drowned in the Seine during a peaceful protest against French colonial policies. These massacres, ordered by French police, claimed the lives of hundreds of unarmed Algerians, sparking global outrage at the time and becoming a symbol of the country’s enduring struggle for freedom.
President Tebboune Commemorates Martyrs on National Immigration Day
In a heartfelt ceremony at the Presidential Palace of El-Mouradia, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune paid tribute to the souls of the martyrs on Thursday, marking the National Immigration Day, which commemorates the 63rd anniversary of the historic protests of October 17, 1961.
Accompanied by senior officials and advisors from the presidency, President Tebboune honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Algeria’s independence and dignity. The day serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by Algerians during the colonial era and the ongoing importance of remembering their sacrifices.
A statement from the presidency emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, “President Abdelmadjid Tebboune pays homage to the martyrs at El-Mouradia Palace, accompanied by senior officials and advisors, on the National Immigration Day, commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the October 17, 1961 protests.”
The Ministry of Communication, led by Minister Mohamed Laagab, joined the nationwide observance in a moving tribute, with workers and officials gathering in silent contemplation to honor the martyrs. The Ministry of Justice, led by Minister Abderrachid Tabi, similarly paid homage, with judges, magistrates, and staff standing together to reflect on the sacrifices of those who perished for the cause of independence.
Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui also led a tribute at the Palace of Government, accompanied by Interior Minister Brahim Merad. As they observed a minute of silence, they were joined by numerous officials and personnel from their respective ministries, reaffirming the government’s commitment to preserving the memory of those who fought for Algeria’s liberation.
The commemoration extended to Algeria’s diplomatic corps, where Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf presided over a similar ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event included the recitation of the Fatiha, the national anthem, and the laying of a wreath in front of a memorial plaque dedicated to the martyrs of the War of Liberation. Addressing the gathering, Attaf emphasized the enduring significance of October 17, 1961, as a date that not only recalls the heinous crimes of colonialism but also underscores the pride and resilience of the Algerian people.
As part of the day’s events, a thought-provoking conference was held by the Algerian Commission on History and Memory, led by Dr. Mohamed Lahcen Zeghidi and National Archives Director Dr. Mohamed Bounaâma. Their lecture explored the sacrifices made by Algeria’s emigrant community during the war for independence, highlighting the profound role of those living abroad in shaping the destiny of their homeland. The speakers underscored that the tragic events of October 17 stand as a stark reminder of the price paid for freedom and the indelible mark left on Algerian national identity.
In a solemn display of national reverence, the Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Salah Goudjil, alongside members of the government, observed a minute of silence on Thursday in memory of the martyrs of the October 17, 1961, massacres. This moment of reflection took place during a plenary session dedicated to oral questions at the Council of the Nation.
The entire Algerian nation joined in this collective commemoration, which marks the brutal repression carried out by French colonial forces against peaceful Algerian demonstrators in Paris. The massacre, now an indelible chapter in Algeria’s struggle for freedom, saw dozens of Algerians killed, their bodies callously discarded into the River Seine, solely for protesting colonial injustices and asserting their right to independence.
At the heart of the solemn tribute, Salah Goudjil emphasized the deep significance of this day, now inscribed into the national consciousness. “On this National Day of Emigration, marking the third anniversary of the decree for a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of October 17, 1961, as initiated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, we reaffirm our eternal connection to the memory of our nation,” Goudjil said in a powerful statement shared on social media.
The observance was not confined to Algiers. Across the nation and abroad, members of the Algerian Parliament’s two chambers, participating in the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (UIP) in Switzerland, also held a minute of silence. This tribute, held at Algeria’s permanent mission to the United Nations, was graced by the presence of Algeria’s ambassador and representatives, further underscoring the global resonance of this day of remembrance.
In his tribute, Goudjil reflected on the enduring legacy of Algeria’s struggle for liberation, stating, “Triumphant Algeria, the heir of the November Revolution, is a nation whose sons and daughters, imbued with courage and dignity, have always resisted humiliation and reclaimed their freedom at the cost of great sacrifice.”
President Tebboune Reaffirms Commitment to Defending the Rights of Algerians Abroad
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Algerian state to defend the rights and interests of its citizens living abroad, ensuring their full integration into the nation’s efforts for renewal and progress. This message was delivered on Wednesday to mark the 63rd anniversary of the October 17, 1961, demonstrations, which are commemorated annually as National Emigration Day.
In his message to the Algerian people, President Tebboune honored the memory of the victims of the tragic October 17 massacres, in which French police violently repressed Algerian demonstrators in Paris, resulting in numerous deaths. The president expressed his deep respect for the martyrs of that day, saying, “I bow with reverence to the memory of the victims of this tragic day and salute the men and women of Algeria abroad.”
President Tebboune took this opportunity to highlight the state’s continuous dedication to defending the rights of Algerians abroad. He emphasized that the government will protect their interests while ensuring that conditions are in place for their active participation in the country’s efforts towards national recovery and renewal. This process, he explained, is part of a broader vision that looks confidently toward Algeria’s future, harnessing the capabilities and talents of its people, particularly its youth, in the face of the many challenges ahead.
He also reiterated Algeria’s determination to uphold the principles of justice and equity, particularly concerning the sensitive issue of historical memory. In this regard, President Tebboune denounced the attempts by certain extremist factions to distort or suppress the memory of colonial crimes. He called for renewed courage and integrity in confronting this history, urging the nation to move beyond the colonial past and focus on a future free from the divisive legacy of hatred.
The commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of National Emigration Day, Tebboune explained, serves as a reminder of the profound unity and commitment of Algerians abroad to the goals of the National Liberation Revolution. He recalled that the sacrifices and struggles of the Algerian community in France at the time are emblematic of the solidarity and dedication to the Glorious Revolution. “This anniversary remains deeply engraved in our collective memory,” he noted, “reflecting the unity of our people and their unwavering commitment to the objectives outlined in the Eternal Declaration of November 1st.”
The president’s message not only underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices of Algeria’s emigrants but also highlighted their crucial role in the country’s ongoing journey toward a prosperous and dignified future, grounded in the values of nationalism and justice.
The massacre of October 17, 1961, is widely regarded as one of the most egregious atrocities committed by French authorities during the colonial era. As peaceful Algerians marched through the streets of Paris, demanding equal rights and an end to oppressive colonial laws, they were met with violent repression. French police, under the orders of notorious police chief Maurice Papon, opened fire on the demonstrators and threw many of the victims into the Seine, their bodies later washing ashore as grim testimony to the brutality they endured.
While decades have passed, the memory of this massacre remains vivid in the collective consciousness of the Algerian people. The annual moment of silence is more than just a tribute to the victims; it serves as a solemn call for justice and a powerful testament to Algeria’s unwavering resolve in the face of oppression.
President Tebboune’s initiative to institutionalize this day of remembrance reflects the nation’s deep respect for its martyrs and a firm commitment to ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten. The observance of National Immigration Day, coinciding with the anniversary of this tragedy, reminds us of the resilience of the Algerian spirit and the ongoing fight for freedom and dignity. As Algeria reflects on its past, the country continues to stand in solidarity with all those around the world still fighting for liberation, from Palestine to Lebanon.
The martyrs of October 17, 1961, did not die in vain. Their memory fuels the ongoing pursuit of justice, freedom, and self-determination for oppressed peoples everywhere. Gloire éternelle aux martyrs, and may their legacy continue to inspire future generations.
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