Algerian Liberation Revolution: 70 Years Since November 1, 1954 Declaration

Seventy years ago, on November 1, 1954, the National Liberation Front (FLN) called upon the Algerian people, heralding the dawn of the glorious Liberation Revolution. Below is the full text of the Declaration of November 1, 1954:

“Algerian people, defenders of the national cause,

To those who are called to judge us—some in a general sense, others more specifically—our intent in disseminating this proclamation is to illuminate the profound reasons that have compelled us to act. We present our program, the rationale behind our actions, and the validity of our perspectives, all aimed at achieving national independence within the North African context. Additionally, we seek to dispel any confusion that may be perpetuated by imperialism, its administrative agents, and corrupt politicians.

First and foremost, we assert that after decades of struggle, the national movement has reached a critical juncture. The objective of a revolutionary movement is to create the necessary conditions for liberating action. We assess that internally, the people are united in their call for independence and action, while externally, the climate of détente is conducive to resolving minor issues—including our own—particularly with the diplomatic support of our Arab-Muslim brothers. The events unfolding in Morocco and Tunisia are significant in this respect, profoundly influencing the liberation process across North Africa. It is important to note that we have long been pioneers in seeking unity in action, although such unity has yet to be realized among the three countries.

Today, each nation is steadfastly committed to this path, while we, left behind, confront the fate of the sidelined. Consequently, our national movement, weakened by years of stagnation, misdirection, and deprivation of essential popular support, risks gradual disintegration—much to the satisfaction of colonialism, which believes it has secured a major victory against the Algerian vanguard.

The hour is grave!

In light of this precarious situation, which threatens to become irreparable, a group of aware young leaders and activists, rallying the majority of still-committed elements, have deemed it necessary to extricate the national movement from the deadlock created by personal and influential struggles. They aim to propel it forward alongside our Moroccan and Tunisian brothers in a genuine revolutionary struggle.

We wish to clarify that we remain independent of the two factions vying for power. Prioritizing national interest above all petty personal ambitions and misguided prestige, in accordance with revolutionary principles, our actions are directed solely against colonialism—our only enemy—which has consistently denied even the slightest freedom through peaceful means of struggle.

We believe these reasons are sufficient for our renewal movement to present itself under the banner of the National Liberation Front, thus freeing itself from any potential compromises and providing an opportunity for all Algerian patriots, regardless of social strata or affiliation with purely Algerian parties and movements, to join the liberation struggle without reservation.

To clarify our intentions, we outline below the main points of our political program:

GOAL: National independence through:

1. The establishment of a sovereign, democratic, and social Algerian state grounded in Islamic principles.
2. The assurance of all fundamental freedoms, without distinction of race or creed.”

INTERNAL OBJECTIVES:

1. To achieve political purification by steering the revolutionary national movement back to its true path and eliminating all remnants of corruption and reformism, which are the root causes of our current regression.
2. To mobilize and organize the healthy energies of the Algerian people in order to dismantle the colonial system.

EXTERNAL OBJECTIVES:

– To internationalize the issue of Algeria.

– To foster North African unity within the natural Arab-Muslim context.

– To affirm our solidarity, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, with all nations that support our liberation efforts.

MEANS OF STRUGGLE:

In line with revolutionary principles and taking into account both internal and external circumstances, we will persist in our struggle by all necessary means until we achieve our objectives. To this end, the National Liberation Front will undertake two essential tasks simultaneously: an internal effort encompassing both political and operational dimensions, and an external initiative aimed at raising global awareness of the Algerian issue, garnering support from all our natural allies. This is indeed a formidable task that necessitates the mobilization of all energies and national resources. While the struggle may be protracted, the outcome is inevitable.

Finally, to prevent misinterpretations and evasions, and to express our commitment to peace while minimizing human losses and bloodshed, we propose an honorable platform for discussion to the French authorities, provided they act in good faith and acknowledge once and for all the right of the peoples they oppress to self-determination:

1. The official recognition of Algerian nationality through a declaration that annuls the edicts, decrees, and laws that designate Algeria as a French territory, in disregard of the history, geography, language, religion, and customs of the Algerian people.
2. The initiation of negotiations with authorized representatives of the Algerian people based on the acknowledgment of Algerian sovereignty, which is one and indivisible.
3. The establishment of a climate of trust through the release of all political prisoners, the lifting of all exceptional measures, and the cessation of any prosecutions against the combatant forces.

IN RETURN:

1. French cultural and economic interests that have been legitimately acquired will be respected, along with their associated individuals and families.
2. Any French citizens wishing to remain in Algeria will have the choice to select their nationality; they will be considered foreigners under existing laws or may opt for Algerian nationality, in which case they will be regarded as such with corresponding rights and responsibilities.
3. The relationship between France and Algeria will be clearly defined and governed by an agreement between the two powers based on equality and mutual respect.

Algerians! We invite you to reflect upon our charter outlined above. It is your duty to align yourself with it in order to save our country and restore its freedom; the National Liberation Front is your front, and its victory belongs to you. We are resolved to continue the struggle and confident in your anti-imperialist sentiments; we will do our utmost for the homeland.