Minister of Mujahideen and Rights Holders, Abdelmalek Tachrifet, confirmed that the February 27, 1962 demonstrations in Ouargla represented a complete popular epic, reflecting the will of a nation that believed in the justice of its cause and held onto its right to freedom and sovereignty.
In a speech during the opening of a seminar on the 64th anniversary of the popular demonstrations in Ouargla on Thursday, the Minister explained that those demonstrations were a resounding slap to colonial policy and a historical message that Algeria is one indivisible body that does not accept compromise. He emphasized that they contributed to strengthening the position of the Algerian negotiating delegation in Evian and provided it with strong popular support to cling to national constants.
Tachrifet pointed out that the Ouargla uprising became a decisive word on the issue of the Algerian Sahara and was one of the factors that accelerated the victory of truth, despite the colonial authorities’ bet on turning the Sahara into a space for isolation and resource depletion.
The Minister also stressed that the people of the South, who destroyed colonial plans, are today moving steadily toward development and renewal, aware of the scale of sacrifices made by their ancestors so that Algeria could enjoy freedom and sovereignty.
Speaking about the path of national construction, Tachrifet highlighted that the Gara Djebilet project represents a practical embodiment of the strategic vision led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at building a strong, diversified national economy free from dependence on hydrocarbons.
He considered this project a sovereign choice reflecting the state’s will to value its natural resources and process them locally to create real added value and enhance economic independence.
