The Historical Turning Points of August 20, 1955, and August 20, 1956: Shaping the Algerian Revolution

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 20th, 2024 — As Algeria prepares for its upcoming presidential elections on September 7, the country pauses to commemorate two key events in its revolutionary history: August 20, 1955, and August 20, 1956. These dates, immortalized in the national consciousness, mark defining moments in the struggle for independence from French colonial rule and continue to serve as a beacon of Algeria’s quest for sovereignty and self-determination.

On August 20, 1955, Zighoud Youcef, a visionary leader and brilliant strategist, orchestrated the Northern Constantine offensive. This bold operation, meticulously planned over several months, aimed to loosen the colonial grip on the Constantine region, one of the cradles of the Algerian War of Independence. The attacks targeted military and civilian installations across several towns, including Collo, Skikda, and Constantine, sending shockwaves through the colonial administration. Zighoud’s tactical brilliance not only weakened the French stronghold but also galvanized the Algerian people, forging an unbreakable bond between the revolution and the population.

Historians like Mohamed Harbi have emphasized the broader strategic implications of the August 20, 1955, uprising. It relieved pressure on other key resistance strongholds, such as the Aurès region, and demonstrated the FLN’s commitment to the liberation of Algeria. The people and the revolution were now inexorably linked, their union solidified through shared sacrifice and common purpose.

Exactly one year later, on August 20, 1956, another momentous event unfolded in the heart of the resistance. The Congress of Soummam, held in the village of Ifri Ouzellaguen under the leadership of Larbi Ben M’hidi and Abane Ramdane, laid the foundation for the future Algerian state. The congress, held in utmost secrecy amidst the ever-watchful eyes of the colonial forces, brought together nearly 3,000 fighters and leaders of the National Liberation Army (ALN). Despite the immense security risks, including a narrow escape from a French ambush that almost jeopardized the event, the congress succeeded in charting a clear path forward for the revolution.

At Soummam, Abane Ramdane, often regarded as the architect of the congress, and his fellow revolutionaries established two non-negotiable principles: total independence for Algeria and the creation of strong, democratic institutions to govern the future state. These deliberations were not just about organizing the war effort; they were about proving Algeria’s capacity to govern itself, both on the battlefield and in the international arena. The congress marked the formalization of Algeria’s diplomatic strategy, setting the stage for the country’s engagement with major international organizations, including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The platform of Soummam outlined a vision for a future Algeria free from colonial domination, one capable of asserting itself as a sovereign nation on the global stage. The congress not only reinforced the revolution’s legitimacy but also dealt a significant blow to the French colonial regime, which was now faced with an organized, politically savvy adversary. As the Soummam platform famously declared, the humiliating defeat of July 5, 1830, when Algeria fell to French rule, would be erased with the end of the colonial system.

Today, 68 years after the Congress of Soummam, Algeria celebrates the legacy of its revolutionary heroes. The names of Zighoud Youcef, Abane Ramdane, Larbi Ben M’hidi, and others echo through the annals of history as symbols of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. These figures, along with countless others—Hassiba Ben Bouali, Didouche Mourad, Krim Belkacem, and Mohamed Boudiaf—led a movement that not only liberated Algeria but also inspired other colonized nations in their own struggles for independence.

The lessons of Soummam remain deeply relevant today, as Algeria reflects on its revolutionary past while looking toward the future. The congress and its platform laid the groundwork for the creation of a sovereign Algerian state, a monumental achievement that serves as a guiding light for future generations. In the spirit of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, Algerians continue to strive for a just and prosperous future, built on the foundations of democracy and self-determination.

As the country commemorates these pivotal anniversaries, the legacy of the revolution endures—a testament to the unwavering determination of those who fought for freedom and a reminder of the importance of unity in the face of adversity.

Translated with adaptation from: 

https://www.lexpressiondz.com/nationale/deux-dates-cles-de-la-revolution-384871

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