The Struggle for Independence of Algeria: Battle of Algiers - Essay Example

BATTLE OF ALGIERS Introduction During the struggle for and partition of Africa, many European countries embarked on a struggle for resources from Africa to sustain their industries and to look for broader markets as well. As such, many countries were colonized by these western nations which included Britain and France among others. These Western nations later on imposed their home rules into these newly found land, so as to easily control over them. However, Africans realized the need to liberate themselves from colonial powers. As a result, Africans came up with tactics to fight against their so-called oppressors and get their freedom and power over their affairs. Of particular interest is Algeria, a country in the Northern part of Africa. Earlier in the nineteenth century, Algerians used to attack European ships, and this led formation of French a representative in Algiers to ensure that piracy never occurred. One event led to another and the result was the capture of Algiers a matter that saw a war emerged between the French and Berbers who were the primary occupants of the city. After many years of war, Algeria was separated paving way for the creation of Morocco as an independent state. However, the war between French government and Algerians still continued. Further, as time passed by there were many French people in Algeria. Their population increased and as a result France sought to have Algeria as one of its colonies. After the end of the Second World War, much happened that encouraged Algerians to rebel against their guardian, France. Rebellions ensued, and there was war in every region leading to the killing of many settlers and also many of the Algerian people. The Algerian freedom fighters organized themselves in a manner that they had earlier planned back in the days when they were under French citizenship. This was from organized labor rights groups and others who were opposed to France’s governance1. Most Algerians as any other Africans were treated as lower race to the colonialists. This angered Algerians and motivated them to revolt. Those who had been educated under the French governments system were at the forefront of the struggle. Groups had been formed as early as 1926 although they had been formed to fight for other interests other than revolting against the government of France. One of them was known as the "Star", and it was the first to call for the liberation of Algeria. The Star had grouped itself as a clique of workers of African origin but worked in France. They had come together to fight for their rights as African Muslims. The role of the Star was to offer moral support and other material support whenever necessary. They were, however, banned and could not go on with their public association. They had to run illegally without French governments knowledge. Later they came up to oppose the suppression of their religious freedom leading to religious unrest. Alongside the Star, there was formed another party, the Party of Algerian People (PPA). Party of Algerian People created secret cells and military groups and later on joined their allies the Friends of The Manifesto and Liberty. As a joint group, they promoted one of their former leader’s notions of independence. From their joint efforts, they planned for calls for their independence, and this failed resulting into deaths of some of the group members2. Because of the deaths, the Algerian people felt even more determined as the violence spread to other parts of the country prompting villagers to attack and oust European settlers and government establishments within the village areas. Algerian Muslims continued to employ new tactics after their lawful call for freedom was by imposition of sanctions and threats against the leaders. Means such as terrorism were used since they could not be allowed to air their views peacefully. The previously stated was planned by one group the Special Organization. The Special Organization was later dismantled, and another organization was operating underground, one Ben Bella formed revolutionary Committee of Unity and Action. This group was composed of nine heads such as Belkacem Krim, Larbi Ben M’Hidi, Mohamed Khider among others who championed the independence war3. Further, the organization by the nine leaders under Ben Bella, formed military networks referred to as "Wilaya" that operated in different regions. Those who identified with the group called themselves the “internals”. Another group was sent to Egypt to lure the Egyptian government’s support under the leadership of Abdul Nasser. This not only gave the group external support but also helped them acquire weaponry and other essentials. With time, this group (CRUA) changed its name to National Liberation Front and assumed the role of leading Algerians towards independence. The war was staged primarily because there was no enforcement of Muslim laws despite the fact that groups such as the Star had called for such considerations. French government had neglected the call for the recognition of morals and interests of the Muslims4. Freedom of the press and Arabic schools were non-existence. Additionally, Muslims were not allowed to associate themselves freely or even with the French. As earlier mentioned, these were just but some of the grievances that were ignored by the French government and the only way out was said to be liberation war. Their rights as Muslims and as African people had been violated, and calls for their realization and observation were ignored. Muslim laws which guided the Algerian people’s culture were overtaken by French policies that only but discriminated against the locals. Much was done to ensure that the war was successful in favor of Algerian Muslims, who felt more oppressed. Guerilla tactics were employed as most of the attackers from the liberation movement blasted French government’s military establishments and army. They used to hide and emerge from neighboring countries such as Tunisia and Egypt. National Liberation Front ensured that it brought all small organizations together under its umbrella so as to make it stronger to fight for their rights5. It can be that religion took most of the part in influencing the uprising. Muslims were killed in massacres, and this even made the fight more violent against French leadership. The re-organization of the National Liberation Front was called for in 1956 where political strategies were laid, and roles separated amongst the leaders. As a result, there was the National Council of the Algerian Revolution and the Committee of Coordination and Enforcement the latter forming the executive branch. It was known to the freedom fighters that the French government as any colonial government anywhere, had superior firearms and all sophisticated war material. And as mentioned before, they had to employ surprise attack tactics which found the French unprepared. Night attacks were also a common tactic used by the Liberation Front as none of them wished to be caught by the French army. Those who did not support the liberation movement were taken hostage and later on killed or mutilated. This was extended to Muslim authorities who worked for the French government6. The Muslim officials were killed as such because some of them thought only of themselves because they had been given authority. Anyone who did not seem to support their motives was killed as they were as traitors. As a result of these form of action against the traitors, most people in the regions began supporting the National Liberation Front for fear of their lives. They then took over some areas and imposed taxes to support their activities. It was not long before all or majority of the Muslim population began strategizing for their activities. Consequently, they emerged triumphantly and formed their State. Further, the next moves were targeted at getting control of major towns and cities especially Algiers. Women were used for planting bombs in crucial parts of the cities as calls for countrywide demonstrations continued. The rebels showed their power all over the country after engaging the strongholds of the government. In addition to this, the send a clear message to the authorities that they could do anything to liberate themselves from discrimination and inconsiderate leadership shown by the French authorities. However, the liberation movement was later overpowered by the French authorities who employed better tactics that saw the rebels kept at bay. Despite the fact that the method used by French officials was successful, it was a cause for concern as they kept their army on standby to counter any attack. The method could not hold for long a matter that called for a review of the state of affairs. One event led to another and later on there was the grant of independence to the Algerian people. Independence came on after a national referendum that turned out in support for independence. The above was done in 1962 and that marked the end of the struggles between the French government and the National Liberation Front7. To conclude, it has been seen that the struggle for independence was not an easy one for Algeria. From the organization of the few learned Muslims, the working classes and the support of outside countries, it was indeed a well-planned struggle that could only be sealed with nothing but victory in the end. Reference Williams, Phillip. "How the Fourth Republic Died: Sources for the Revolution of May 1958." French Historical Studies, JSTOR 3 (1963): 1-40. Web. 28th March 2015. Read More