On November 1st, the French president acknowledged that Larbi Ben M’hidi, a key figure in Algeria’s struggle for independence and a leader of the FLN, was killed by French soldiers under General Paul Aussaresses during the Algerian war. This statement coincides with the 70th anniversary of the uprising that sparked the conflict and reflects ongoing tensions between France and Algeria. The recognition aims to further historical truth and promote reconciliation between the two nations.
The President of the Republic acknowledges today that Larbi Ben M’hidi, a national hero for Algeria and one of the six leaders of the FLN who initiated the uprising on November 1, 1954, was assassinated by French soldiers under the command of General [Paul] Aussaresses’, states a communiqué from the Élysée Palace this Friday, November 1. This statement coincides with the 70th anniversary of the November 1, 1954 uprising that began the Algerian War and occurs amidst heightened tensions between France and Algeria, particularly following a significant state visit to Morocco.
The ‘Algerian Jean Moulin’
Larbi Ben M’hidi, often referred to by his fellow citizens as the ‘Algerian Jean Moulin,’ was born in 1923 in the Constantinois region of northeastern Algeria. He started his journey as a Muslim scout before evolving into a nationalist activist. The massacres in Constantinois in May-June 1945 solidified his beliefs in the quest for Algeria’s independence. Following the outbreak of the uprising, he took charge of Oran before becoming a key figure in organizing the first FLN congress, held in the Soummam Valley on August 20, 1956. This congress laid the groundwork for the new party’s program, prioritizing political action and strengthening internal resistance.
Appointed head of the Autonomous Zone of Algiers in 1956, he emerged as a prominent leader during the Battle of Algiers, which began in January 1957. ‘As the President has previously acknowledged for Maurice Audin and Ali Boumendjel, this repression was accompanied by the establishment of a system outside the realm of human rights, made possible by the passage of ‘special powers’ in Parliament’, the Élysée adds. This measure granted the government ‘carte blanche to restore order in Algeria, enabling the adoption of a decree that allowed the delegation of police powers to the military, initially via prefectural orders in Algiers, and later throughout Algeria in 1957’.
‘The pursuit of historical truth will continue’
During this period, Larbi Ben M’hidi was arrested in February 1957: ‘Images captured during his arrest show him handcuffed yet smiling, with a proud gaze. The French soldiers, familiar with his reputation, were struck by his charisma and courage’, the Élysée communiqué notes. He was subsequently handed over to Commander Paul Aussaresses, who was responsible for finding a secure location to detain him. Officially, Larbi Ben M’hidi allegedly attempted suicide while evading his guards and died during his transfer to the hospital. However, this explanation was quickly disputed. In the early 2000s, Paul Aussaresses confessed to having assassinated him.
‘The acknowledgment of this assassination demonstrates that the pursuit of historical truth, initiated by the President of the Republic in collaboration with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, will continue’, the communiqué emphasizes, clarifying that President Emmanuel Macron aims ‘to create a pacified and shared memory’. ‘With consideration for future generations, the head of state is committed, now and always, to explore avenues for reconciling memories between the two nations.’