Revolutionary Milestones of August 1955, 1956 Honored by Nation
Algeria is set to observe the National Day of the Moudjahid, commemorating the significant double anniversary of the North-Constantinois Offensive of August 20, 1955, and the Soummam Congress of August 20, 1956. This upcoming celebration will serve as an occasion to recall the profound sacrifices made by the Algerian people and the hardships endured during the struggle for independence. It also reaffirms a deep commitment to the memory of the martyrs and moudjahidine, and to the enduring message of November 1, 1954. The President of the Republic has previously underscored the vital need to preserve national memory, honoring the sacrifices of courageous resistants, militants, and martyrs, while recognizing their legacy to Algerians and the fidelity to the November 1 proclamation.
The double anniversary specifically highlights the critical role played by a generation of patriots dedicated to unifying the Revolution's ranks, establishing a shared vision for achieving national independence, and founding the Algerian state. The North-Constantinois Offensive, executed on August 20, 1955, under the command of Zighoud Youcef and his deputy Lakhdar Bentobal, marked a significant turning point in the armed struggle. Thousands of peasants joined the National Liberation Army (ALN) fighters in assaults on various targets, including police posts, gendarmerie barracks, public buildings, and colonial installations. This offensive aimed to alleviate the pressure exerted by the colonial army on regions like the Aurès and to reinvigorate the armed struggle, while also bringing the Algerian people's cause to international attention, leading to the Algerian question's inscription on the UN General Assembly agenda shortly thereafter.
One year subsequent to the offensive, the Soummam Congress, convened on August 20, 1956, advanced the Revolution's organizational structure. It resulted in crucial decisions designed to bolster its unity and effectiveness across both military and political dimensions. Key among these was the territorial reorganization of the Revolution, which transitioned from the five zones established on November 1, 1954, to six wilayas, each further divided into zones, regions, and sectors. The Congress also contributed to the national unification of the ALN, implementing an organization and hierarchy inspired by a regular army, and refining the political and military framework of the struggle. These two historical events, the North-Constantinois Offensive and the Soummam Congress, are considered complementary stages of the Revolution, with the former expanding its popular and international scope, and the latter fortifying its organization and unity, ultimately guiding the Algerian people towards the restoration of their independence and sovereignty.
