Algeria’s November Revolution at 72: ‘November, a Nation's Memory and a People's Future’
Algeria’s November Revolution remains a powerful symbol of Africa’s struggle against colonialism and the right of peoples to self-determination. The question of Western Sahara represents an unfinished chapter in this struggle, as the Sahrawi people continue to pursue their right to determine their political future, writes H.E. Mourad Amokrane
H.E. Mourad Amokrane. (File)
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OPINION
By H.E. Mourad Amokrane
As Algeria prepares to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the 1st November Revolution, the country reflects on a defining chapter in its history and the enduring significance of the struggle for sovereignty, self-determination and national dignity. When Algeria began its revolution against French colonial rule on the 1st November 1954, the struggle was about more than ending foreign domination. It was about reclaiming the right of a people to self-determination.
Algeria achieved independence in 1962, but the significance of its revolution extends beyond that historic victory. Seventy-two years after the uprising began, its legacy raises a question that remains relevant across Africa; what does independence mean when the African continent is not yet completely rid of the colonial yoke, poverty, underdevelopment and the ability of peoples to shape their own destinies?
That question provides a way to understand Algeria’s continuing emphasis on sovereignty, African solidarity and regional stability. The revolution helped inspire liberation movements across the continent, while Algeria’s subsequent engagement in African affairs has reflected the belief that freedom should not end at national borders. Yet the continent’s experience also shows that independence is not a completed achievement. It is an enduring responsibility, requiring African countries to protect their sovereignty, resolve conflicts, strengthen their economies and ensure that the benefits of freedom reach their people.
For Algeria, the struggle against colonialism remains a defining part of its national identity and international outlook. For Africa more broadly, its legacy invites reflection on the distance between winning independence and realizing its full promise. The continuing insecurity in parts of the continent and the need for stronger African representation in global institutions all demonstrate why the principles associated with the liberation era remain relevant today.
As we celebrate the anniversary of the 1st November Revolution, it is important to remember the sacrifices made by Algerians to secure their freedom, protect their cultural identity and reclaim their land. The principles that inspired the revolution remain embedded in Algeria’s national outlook and continue to influence its engagement with the wider world. The anniversary is therefore not simply a commemoration of a historic victory; it is also an opportunity to consider how the ideals of liberation can inform Africa’s response to contemporary challenges.
The Revolution’s Legacy – Sovereignty and African Liberation
The outbreak of the Algerian Revolution in 1954 was a decisive moment in the continent’s struggle against colonial domination. Led by the National Liberation Front (FLN), Algerians mobilized against French rule in a conflict that exacted an enormous human cost before independence was achieved in 1962. The struggle was particularly significant because France sought to retain Algeria as an integral part of its national territory.
The resistance therefore confronted not only colonial administration but also a powerful military and political system determined to preserve its control. The war involved severe hardships, including fortified barriers, landmines and extensive military operations. We recall the use of African forces under French command in efforts to contain the Algerian struggle, illustrating the complex realities of colonial rule in which Africans could find themselves on opposing sides of liberation movements.
Despite all the obstacles, Algeria’s struggle became a source of inspiration to liberation movements across Africa. Its independence reinforced the conviction that colonial domination was neither permanent nor inevitable. In the years that followed, Algeria extended support to other African liberation struggles, including movements beyond the Francophone world.
This history helped establish Algeria’s reputation as a supporter of African self-determination and placed its national experience within the broader history of Africa’s pursuit of freedom, dignity and political independence. For Algeria, remembering the revolution is consequently both an act of national remembrance and an opportunity to reaffirm the principles that guided its struggle.
The meaning of sovereignty remains central to Algeria’s approach to contemporary international affairs. For the country, independence involves more than the absence of colonial rule; it also encompasses the ability of states to determine their own political direction, safeguard their territorial integrity and pursue development without undue external interference.
This principle is directly linked to the conditions necessary for development, stressing that peace and stability are indispensable to economic and social progress. “There can’t be development without peace and security.” Thismirrors a challenge facing many African countries, where insecurity, political instability and regional tensions continue to divert resources from development priorities.
Across parts of the Sahel, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, conflicts and competing external interests have complicated efforts to establish durable peace. In these developments, Algeria raises concern about external involvement in regional affairs, particularly in places such as Niger, Mali, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Western Sahara. From Algeria’s perspective, lasting stability requires respect for national sovereignty, dialogue among political actors and solutions shaped by the countries and communities directly affected.
Algeria’s diplomatic approach places considerable emphasis on negotiated settlements and regional cooperation. Its geographical position and historical experience have made security in the Sahel and the wider North African region important elements of its foreign policy. The challenge, however, extends beyond preventing conflict; it involves building institutions, strengthening regional cooperation and creating conditions in which peace can support employment, education, investment and inclusive development.
For Algeria, the principle of non-interference is closely linked to the experience of its own liberation struggle. Having fought for the right to determine its future, the country maintains that African states should be able to pursue their political and development priorities without external pressure that compromises their independence and stability. At the continental level, this position raises a broader question; how can African countries strengthen their capacity to resolve conflicts and manage regional challenges while protecting their sovereignty and maintaining constructive international partnerships?
Algeria’s November Revolution remains a powerful symbol of Africa’s struggle against colonialism and the right of peoples to self-determination. The question of Western Sahara represents an unfinished chapter in this struggle, as the Sahrawi people continue to pursue their right to determine their political future. Despite the 1975 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finding no ties of territorial sovereignty between Morocco and Western Sahara, the dispute remains unresolved.
Algeria continues to support Sahrawi self-determination, consistent with its commitment to decolonization and national sovereignty. Although the United Nations established MINURSO in 1991 with a view to holding a referendum, it has yet to take place. As Algeria commemorates the 72nd anniversary of its Revolution, Western Sahara underscores the continuing relevance of liberation and self-determination in Africa and the need for a peaceful, just and lasting solution.
African peace, security and regional integration
Algeria’s role in efforts to resolve the conflict in Africa provides an important example of its commitment to diplomatic engagement. Although implementing peace agreements can be difficult, particularly where insecurity and mistrust persist, such initiatives demonstrate the role diplomacy can play in creating a foundation for reconciliation.
Instability in one country affects neighboring states through displacement of people, cross-border insecurity and the disruption of trade and livelihoods. The wider lesson is that peace require sustained political commitment, institutional support and meaningful participation by affected communities. External partners can contribute, but lasting solutions depend on the willingness of local and national actors to implement commitments and address the causes of conflict.
Algeria’s diplomatic engagement in Africa also reflects a wider African aspiration which is to strengthen the continent’s capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts through dialogue, regional institutions and cooperation among neighboring states. This approach is in line with the principle of solving African problems by Africans.
Under the high patronage of president Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Algeria is accelerating its economic diversification and industrial transformation through strategic investments in clean energy, mining and manufacturing. Progress on the Southern Hydrogen Corridor and the Algeria–Italy submarine electricity cable, expected to be commissioned by the end of 2027, reinforces the country’s ambition to become a key clean-energy supplier to Europe.
At the same time, the export of electric vehicle charging stations to international markets demonstrates the growing competitiveness of Algerian technology. In the mining sector, the Integrated Phosphate Project in Tébessa and Souk Ahras is expected to strengthen phosphate production and exports, while new automotive component manufacturing facilities are increasing local industrial integration.
These developments are complemented by expanding non-hydrocarbon exports of steel, cement, clinker, electronics and household appliances to African, European and other international markets, underscoring Algeria’s commitment to building a diversified, export-oriented economy and strengthening its position as an emerging industrial and energy hub.
In June 2026, Algeria launched the construction of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), a strategic energy infrastructure project designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria through Niger to Algeria, connecting to existing pipeline networks supplying European markets.
With the potential to strengthen energy cooperation between North and West Africa, the project shall diversify Europe’s gas supplies, generate transit revenues, stimulate investment and promote regional economic integration. For Algeria, it reinforces its position as a major energy corridor between Africa and Europe, while offering Nigeria expanded access to international markets.
Supporting the initiative, Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, recently reaffirmed that the TSGP is a top national priority, emphasizing Nigeria's firm commitment to constructing the south-to-north section of the pipeline across its territory.
He highlighted that the project carries immense economic and socio-demographic benefits for the Sahel by strengthening regional integration, expanding African gas exports to global markets, and enhancing energy security. He also noted that Nigeria has backed its commitment with final investment decisions involving international and domestic energy partners, while coordinating closely with Algeria.
Algeria – Uganda cooperation and the promise of future generations
The anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on relations between Algeria and Uganda, two African countries whose historical experiences and diplomatic priorities include sovereignty, Pan-Africanism and solidarity among developing nations.
Algeria and Uganda share an interest in strengthening Africa’s representation in international decision-making, particularly within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both countries participate in the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), which advocates for reform of the Security Council and seeks to advance the African position on representation in the global institution. The initiative reflects a longstanding African concern that the continent remains inadequately represented in an institution responsible for decisions on international peace and security.
Africa’s position is grounded in the argument that decisions affecting the continent should reflect its interests and provide it with a meaningful voice. Many of the conflicts and security challenges addressed by the international system occur in Africa, yet the continent has no permanent seat on the Security Council.
For Algeria, supporting stronger African representation is consistent with the principles of independence and self-determination that shaped its own history. It also reflects a broader conviction that international institutions should respond to contemporary geopolitical realities rather than remain shaped exclusively by arrangements established decades ago. The question of reform is complex and requires agreement among a wide range of states.
Nevertheless, African coordination remains important if the continent is to advance a common position and increase its influence in global affairs. The anniversary of Algeria’s revolution therefore invites reflection on the meaning of independence in the present day; political freedom remains fundamental, but meaningful sovereignty also requires the capacity to influence international decisions, build resilient economies and contribute to solutions to shared global challenges.
For Uganda and other African countries, the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of solidarity in practice. Shared history and diplomatic goodwill matter, but their greatest value lies in cooperation that improves lives, strengthens institutions instead of individuals, and expands opportunities for future generations.
The November Revolution was a struggle to reclaim the right of a people to self-determination. Its enduring significance lies in the continuing task of ensuring that independence becomes more than a historical achievement; that it supports peace, dignity, prosperity and the freedom of African peoples to shape their own destinies.
The continent’s natural resources can create greater long-term value when processing, manufacturing, technical expertise and employment opportunities are developed locally.
Rather than relying predominantly on exporting raw materials and importing finished products, African economies need to strengthen their productive capacity, expand value addition and build industries that create decent jobs.
Cooperation between African countries can contribute to this objective through skills development, technology transfer, investment and the exchange of experience. For Uganda and Algeria, this creates a scope to deepen practical collaboration while maintaining the principles of mutual respect and shared development.
Such projects demonstrate how diplomatic relations extend beyond formal agreements to address practical needs in communities. Cooperation in health, education, technical capacity and other development sectors strengthens the relationship between the two countries while contributing to Uganda’s National development priorities.
The legacy of the November Revolution carries a particular message for young people, the determination of the six young Algerians: Mohamed Boudiaf, Mostefa Ben Boulaid, Larbi Ben M’hidi, Krim Belkacem, DidoucheMourad, and Rabah Bitat who took the ultimate decision to defy the established colonial system and spark the revolution against a powerful colonial system, noting the importance of having clear objectives, values, courage and resilience.
Their experience illustrates how commitment to a shared goal helps people confront seemingly overwhelming obstacles. The revolution was not an easy or immediate victory; it required sacrifice, organisation and sustained determination over many years. For young Africans today, the challenge is different but no less important.
Many face unemployment, limited access to opportunities, conflict and uncertainty about their futures. The lessons of Algeria’s history encourage ambition, civic responsibility and perseverance, but individual determination must be matched by institutions and policies that create opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in society.
Investments in education, vocational training, entrepreneurship and innovation are essential in order to enable young people to contribute to decision-making and national development. The legacy of liberation should therefore be understood not only as a reminder of past sacrifices but also as a responsibility to build societies in which freedom translates into dignity, opportunity and shared prosperity.
Seventy-two years after the beginning of its Revolution, Algeria’s history remains a reminder of the price of freedom and the responsibilities that accompany it. Its struggle helped inspire African liberation movements and contributed to a continental understanding of sovereignty as a fundamental right.
Algeria’s history also offers a reminder that freedom is won through determination, but its benefits must be sustained through cooperation, accountable institutions and a commitment to human dignity. Algeria’s emphasis on sovereignty and African solidarity speaks to these continuing priorities. Its engagement in regional diplomacy, cooperation with African partners and support for reform of international institutions reflect an effort to connect the legacy of liberation with contemporary challenges.
The writer is the Ambassador of Algeria to Uganda