On October 23, 1954, six historical figures who would become eternal symbols of Algeria’s fight for freedom gathered in secret to finalize the plan for launching the great Algerian revolution against French colonization. These leaders—Mostefa Ben Boulaïd, Larbi Ben M’hidi, Rabah Bitat, Didouche Mourad, Krim Belkacem, and Mohamed Boudiaf—played pivotal roles in defining the path toward Algeria’s liberation. At a critical moment in the nation’s history, their efforts would ignite a revolution that forever changed the country’s destiny.
During this pivotal meeting, a bold decision was made : November 1, 1954, would be the day the armed revolution would begin, targeting one of the most powerful colonial empires of the time—France. The leaders named the political organization driving the revolution the National Liberation Front (FLN), uniting all Algerians around the common goal of independence. They also created the National Liberation Army (ALN), an armed force tasked with conducting military operations against French occupation forces. This moment was not just a strategic decision, but the culmination of years of planning, sacrifice, and resilience.
By 1954, a group of former OS members split from the MTLD to form the Revolutionary Committee of Unity and Action (CRUA), the precursor to the FLN. These leaders—Hocine Aït-Ahmed, Larbi Ben M’hidi, Moustapha Ben Boulaïd, Mohamed Boudiaf, Mourad Didouche, Belkacem Krim, Mohamed Khider, Rabah Bitat, and Ahmed Ben Bella—became known as the “historical leaders” of the Algerian War of Independence. They mobilized several hundred fighters to launch the first armed confrontations against French forces, marking the beginning of Algeria’s hard-fought battle for freedom.
This revolution, which ultimately led to Algeria’s independence in 1962, stands as a testament to the bravery, sacrifice, and leadership of these men. Their courage and unwavering commitment to the cause of Algerian liberation have left a legacy that continues to inspire generations. The struggle for freedom was long and grueling, but it forged the path to a free and independent Algeria.
