ALGERIAN PATRIOTS - ENGLISH

Nathalie Yamb is a prominent figure in Pan-Africanism, known for her harsh criticisms of Françafrique and neo-colonial influence in Africa. However, her apparent support for Paul Biya, President of Cameroon and a central figure in Françafrique, raises significant contradictions. This article explores these inconsistencies by examining the tensions between Yamb’s Pan-African principles and her political alliances, drawing on academic sources and contemporary political analyses to shed light on the debate. Pan-Africanism, a movement aimed at the unity and liberation of African peoples, has gained popularity through activists like Nathalie Yamb. Known for her anti-imperialist stance, Yamb openly criticizes Françafrique and the neo-colonial relations that bind some African countries to France. However, her support for Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon for over four decades and is often considered a symbol of Françafrique, raises questions about the consistency of her Pan-African conviction...

A document from the French intelligence services, dated December 16, 1957, reveals Morocco's expansionist ambitions toward Algeria during the Algerian War of Independence. This document sheds new light on the complex relationship between the two countries and partially contradicts the historical narrative taught in Algeria, which emphasizes Morocco's unconditional support for the Algerian revolution. In the official version of the Algerian War's history, as taught in Algerian schools, Morocco under King Mohammed V is portrayed as a steadfast ally in the struggle for Algerian independence. This narrative highlights the unity of the Moroccan and Algerian peoples in their fight against French colonialism. It is true that the Algerian revolutionaries initially saw their struggle as part of a broader Maghreb liberation movement (Tunisia – Algeria – Morocco). The attack on the Northern Constantine region in August 1955, for example, was carried out in response to the exile of the...

The growing recognition by Western powers of Morocco's autonomy plan for the Western Sahara is exacerbating tensions in North Africa. Faced with what it perceives as a growing threat, Algeria may be prompted to resort to force to protect its vital interests. This article explores the reasons behind this worrying possibility and examines the potential implications for the region. A Disturbing Parallel: Ukraine and Western Sahara There are striking similarities between the conflicts in Ukraine and Western Sahara. Russia, in 2022, justified its military intervention in Ukraine by several factors. It perceived Ukraine as an essential buffer zone against NATO expansion, a direct threat to its national security. Moreover, Moscow's historical and cultural ties with Ukraine, the protection of Russian-speaking minorities and the desire to maintain its regional influence motivated it to act. Similarly, Algeria sees Western support for Morocco's claim to Western Sahara as a direct thr...

Algeria expressed on Thursday its "deep disapproval" of the recent French decision to support Morocco's autonomy plan for Western Sahara. This stance was described as "unexpected, inappropriate, and counterproductive" by the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Algerian government clearly stated that it would draw all the consequences from this decision, placing full responsibility on the French government. The French recognition of the Moroccan autonomy plan, seen as legitimizing Morocco's contested sovereignty over Western Sahara, provoked a strong reaction in Algeria. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned this decision as an act supporting a "colonial fact," which is incompatible with the principles of decolonization supported by the international community. This stance is all the more controversial given that it comes from a permanent member of the UN Security Council, which is supposed to respect and promote international leg...

The relationship between Morocco and Algeria is complex and historically marked by political and diplomatic tensions. These tensions are often exacerbated by geopolitical issues, such as the status of Western Sahara and the border disputes perceived by Moroccans, influenced by expansionist ambitions. It is undeniable that there is institutional hostility from the Moroccan regime towards Algeria, manifested through organized attacks against Algerian history, culture, and heritage, as well as against Algerian martyrs. What is striking is the absence of dissenting voices in Morocco condemning these systematic attacks against Algeria. Indeed, Morocco is a dictatorship where expressing dissent can be dangerous, but it is noteworthy that, in the context of the normalization of relations between Morocco and Israel, there have been demonstrations by the Moroccan population against this normalization. In contrast, there have been no demonstrations in Morocco criticizing the institutional hostil...

For several years now, we have witnessed a troubling phenomenon on social media: the relentless attack by some Moroccans on everything Algerian. This assault does not stop at the living or contemporary history but extends to the dead, particularly the martyrs of the Algerian War of Independence. This behavior raises a fundamental question: why do Moroccans target our martyrs, even though respect for the dead is a universal principle in all cultures and religions, including Islam, which is the majority religion in Morocco? Historical and Sociopolitical Context The Algerian War of Independence and the Moroccan Reaction The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) was a fierce and bloody armed struggle against French colonialism, marked by immense sacrifices by Algerians. In contrast, Morocco gained its independence in 1956 primarily through peaceful means and political negotiations. This disparity created a different perception of the struggle for independence in the two countries. For t...

The events of November 1988 in Algiers, where the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was set to declare an independent Palestinian state, were not merely diplomatic proceedings. They were shrouded in geopolitical tension and potential military threats, particularly from Israel, aiming to disrupt the historic gathering. This article explores the little-known narrative of how Algeria, through strategic military preparations, averted a planned Israeli airstrike against the PLO leadership. Context: Israeli Operations and the Tunisian Precedent The backdrop to the November 1988 events was set by a previous Israeli operation in Tunis in October 1985. This attack targeted the headquarters of the PLO's Force 17, demonstrating Israel's long-range capabilities and its resolve to eliminate Palestinian leadership outside its borders. The strike, conducted with precision and surprise, underscored Israel's determination to counteract Palestinian resistance despite international rami...