Algeria marks 70 years since start of independence war with France
Africa
By
AFP
| Nov 02, 2024
Algeria marked the 70th anniversary of the launch of its war for independence from France with a military parade on Friday, as relations with their former colonial ruler sour again.
Military jets soared over the shimmering bay of Algiers, leaving contrails against the blue sky, as columns of troops marched past the city's largest mosque, drawing applause from thousands of spectators.
Algeria's bloody eight-year war for independence after more than a century of French rule began on November 1, 1954. Guerrillas from the National Liberation Front (FLN) mounted attacks on government buildings, leaving 10 people dead.
READ MORE
The worst of Trump's tariffs on trade has passed, says report
Metropol, KBA to boost women led businesses
TECNO to launch SPARK 40 series as first smartphone powered by Helio G200 chipset
Unlocking Africa's potential: The promise of blended finance
IGAD rallies African unity at AU mid-year summit, champions Agenda 2063 vision
Cybervergent listed among 2025 WEF technology pioneers
Tax collections rise to Sh 2.571 trillion as KRA exceeds target
State to quantify economic value of natural resources
State backs tourism sector players' recovery efforts
Multinational tea firms to establish Sh1b welfare fund for residents
The ensuing war left half a million dead -- according to French figures -- or 1.5 million, according to the Algerians. Both sides agree the vast majority of blood spilt was Algerian.
It ended with the signing in March 1962 of the Evian Accords.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said the anniversary was an "opportunity to remind everyone that Algeria, which triumphed over colonialism yesterday, continues to achieve victories with confidence".
The commemoration was attended by the leaders of several regional countries -- Tunisia's Kais Saied, Mauritania's Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani and the chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi.
Neighbouring Morocco, with which Algeria broke off relations after its normalisation of ties with Israel in 2021, was conspicuous by its absence.
Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front, which has fought an on-off war with Morocco since 1975 for the independence of now mainly Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara, watched from the stands.
After laying a wreath at the Martyrs' Monument, President Tebboune joined the parade in an open-top vehicle beside chief of staff General Said Chengriha, as a 70-gun salute echoed through the air.
In 2023, Algeria's military -- one of the largest in Africa -- saw its budget doubled to $22 billion. It received the same allocation for this year.
The military budget is expected to rise again in 2025 to $25 billion, with Russia remaining the main arms supplier.