des moudjahidine de Sidi Bel-Abbes se souviennent des scènes de liesse populaire le 5 juillet 1962
Remembrance of Independence: The Memory of Sidi Bel-Abbes Moudjahidine
In Sidi Bel-Abbes, veterans reflect on the jubilant scenes that marked Algeria’s independence day 63 years ago. They cherish the “exceptional circumstances” that surrounded the reclamation of national sovereignty.
Ahmed Naoual, a Moudjahid and Secretary of the Wilaya of the National Organization of Mujahideen (ONM), shared vivid accounts of the moments leading up to independence on July 5, 1962. He noted that the “seeds of victory” began to take root in the hearts of Algerians with the announcement of the ceasefire on March 19, 1962, even though skepticism about French intentions lingered.
In an interview, Naoual recounted how he and others followed the negotiation developments via Cairo’s “Sawt Al Arab” radio, eagerly anticipating the signing of the Evian Accords. Yet, he emphasized the lack of trust in the colonizer, underscoring that nothing was yet guaranteed.
Centers for the Moudjahidine were established across the nation, where citizens converged to learn about their fallen heroes. He recalled scenes filled with emotion as people sought connection with the fighters or sought information on martyred individuals.
Naoual noted the strong bond between the populace and the National Liberation Army (ALN), highlighting how the community provided essential supplies and shelter for the fighters. The ALN was committed to safeguarding the people’s assets and dignity, uniting in the shared goal of achieving national sovereignty.
On independence day, Naoual expressed how the French flag was taken down and the Algerian flag raised for the first time, amidst the joyous cries of women and tears from the elderly and children. It was a monumental moment, encapsulating both joy and sorrow after seven and a half years of fierce struggle.
Children imitated the Moudjahidine they first saw in military uniforms, while women sang and wept in gratitude for those who delivered on their promise to secure independence.
Another Moudjahid, Adnane Lakhdar, also known as "Si Noureddine," from the historical Wilaya V zone, remarked on France’s unexpected defeat. The resolute spirit of the Moudjahidine and their unwavering commitment to the nation’s territorial integrity compelled the colonizer to acknowledge Algeria’s independence.
Lakhdar asserted that independence was not a gift but rather the result of immense sacrifices. “The Moudjahidine were unwavering, demanding full sovereignty from north to south and east to west, and they achieved it,” he stressed.
Summary
The veterans from Sidi Bel-Abbes reflect on the significant moments of Algeria’s independence celebrated 63 years ago, recalling the unity among the people and the fighters during this arduous journey. Ahmed Naoual, a former Moudjahid, emphasized the growing hope among Algerians starting from the ceasefire announcement on March 19, 1962, and their vigilance toward French intentions until the Evian Accords were signed. The powerful bond between the ALN and the citizens of Algeria played a vital role, allowing for mutual support while they aimed to reclaim national sovereignty.
On July 5, 1962, the raising of the Algerian flag marked a historic moment, filled with emotional responses from the populace as they celebrated their hard-won freedom after years of struggle. Adnane Lakhdar noted the unexpected defeat of French colonial powers, driven by the unwavering determination of the Moudjahidine and their demand for complete sovereignty across the nation. Their sacrifices were profound, underscoring that true independence could only be achieved through relentless resolve and unity.
