Radia Kesseiri

The Evolution of Algerian Political Thought: Origins, Colonial Rule and Post Independence Radia Kesseiri

In 2012, Algeria celebrated 50 years of independence. An independence that was welcomed by most Algerians after a bitter war started on 1 November 1954. The Algerian War that claimed more than a million and a half lives ended on 5 July 1962 as Algeria was proclaimed an independent state. For many, independence meant the recovery of national integrity and the revival of an Algerian identity as well as symbolising a courageous resistance against a foreign power. Algerians were left to organise their own politics and govern their own people. After 132 years of occupation, Algeria was Frenchified and its Muslim people were subjugated and deprived of many civil rights. A heartless attack on culture, language and most importantly the identity of a nation. Understanding how political thought and consciousness has developed in Algeria helps forge an understanding of current stances in Algerian politics. Accordingly, this study will look into the naissance of the Algerian political entity and the developments that followed from French colonisation to independence and post independence.