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The Recovery of Algeria's National Sovereignty: A Pivotal Moment in the Nation's History

July 5, 1962, marks a crucial date in Algeria's history, symbolizing the end of 132 years of French colonization and the recovery of national sovereignty. This day represents the victory of a united and resilient people, whose determined struggle brought an end to one of the most oppressive forms of colonialism.

The Resilience and Unity of the Algerian People

The Algerian War of Liberation is emblematic of the determination of the people not to submit to the French occupiers. The moudjahidine, these freedom fighters, along with history teachers, emphasize that the Algerian struggle intensified through different forms of resistance, culminating in the long-desired recovery of national sovereignty. Moudjahida Saliha Djeffal recalls the immense joy that filled the people on July 5, 1962, a day marked by the achievement of the supreme goal: national sovereignty.

The Sacrifices of the Algerian People

The recovery of Algeria's national sovereignty would not have been possible without the immense sacrifices of the Algerian people. Between 1830 and 1962, more than 5.6 million Algerians lost their lives as martyrs in the struggle for freedom. These human losses illustrate the brutality of French colonization and the unwavering determination of the people to resist oppression. The atrocities committed, including violent repression, massacres, and torture, left deep scars in the collective memory of Algeria, but never broke the spirit of resistance.

The Multidimensional Genocide

French colonization in Algeria was not limited to a human genocide, although this was the most visible with its 5.6 million martyrs. France also perpetrated a cultural and religious genocide in its attempt to erase Algerian identity:

  1. Cultural genocide: The destruction of Algerian historical monuments and the prohibition of Arabic language education aimed to eradicate Algeria's culture and history. Efforts to replace Algerian culture with French values and traditions left a lasting and painful mark on Algerian society.

  2. Religious genocide: Colonization also sought to hinder the practice of Islam, the majority religion in Algeria, through evangelization campaigns and other coercive measures. These actions aimed to destabilize and transform Algerian society by undermining its spiritual and religious foundations.

The Symbolism of July 5

For Mohamed Lahcène Zeghidi, a history teacher, July 5 embodies Algeria's greatness through the recovery of its sovereignty and loyalty to the oath of the martyrs. Establishing this date as the day of the recovery of national sovereignty, the same day as France's initial invasion in 1830, aimed to erase the horrors of colonization. This decision reinforces the symbolism of this day as a triumph over endured suffering and sacrifices made.

The Determined Struggle for the Recovery of National Sovereignty

The history of the Algerian struggle is marked by fierce resistance against a colonizer who used all forms of violence and aggression from the early days of colonization. Mahfoud Achour, another history teacher, recalls that the Algerian people never ceased to fight the occupier, mobilizing all possible means to achieve the recovery of national sovereignty, despite the colossal forces of NATO supporting France. The National Liberation Army (ALN) played a crucial role in this struggle, operating with limited resources but supported by the unwavering will of the people.

Victory over Colonial Atrocities

The scorched-earth policy adopted by the occupier, the heinous crimes committed against the Algerian people, and the inflicted suffering did not succeed in breaking the determination of the Algerians. The moral strength and determination of the freedom fighters and the Algerian people enabled them to overcome these trials and achieve the recovery of national sovereignty. This victory represents not only the end of colonization but also a national rebirth, celebrated fervently each year.

Conclusion

The recovery of Algeria's national sovereignty, proclaimed on July 5, 1962, remains a moment of pride and commemoration for Algerians. It is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and determination that overcame brutal colonization to build a free and sovereign nation. The testimonies of the moudjahidine and historians highlight the depth of this struggle and the importance of this date in Algeria's collective memory. More than 5.6 million martyrs between 1830 and 1962 underscore the high cost of freedom and the indomitable resilience of the Algerian people in the face of a human, cultural, and religious genocide perpetrated by French colonization.

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