Ahmed Ben Bella was one of the Nine Historical leaders of the Algerian Revolution

Abstract

Ahmed Ben Bella joined the secret organization of the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties MTLD early on. He headed the The secret organization OS after the removal of Ait Ahmed Hocine in 1949. He was one of the nine historical leaders who ignited the revolution and a founder of the National Liberation Front FLN. He was part of the external delegation in Cairo, along with Mohamed Khider and Ait Ahmed Hocine, until his arrest by the colonial authorities on October 22, 1956. He experienced imprisonment once again until independence and became a leading figure in liberation movements worldwide.

In the aftermath of independence, Algeria experienced a power struggle between the Provisional Government GPRA and the General Staff of the Army (EMG). The army ultimately prevailed, establishing the Political Bureau under the leadership of Ahmed Ben Bella. Ben Bella seized control of the capital, forcing Youssef Ben Khedda to withdraw. During his time in power, Ben Khedda faced numerous challenges stemming from the legacy of French colonialism. The administration was dysfunctional, the economy crippled, capital was being smuggled to France, schools were virtually closed, and the country was left in a state of paralysis. This was compounded by internal opposition and the Sand War with neighboring Morocco.

Ahmed Ben Bella remained president of the republic for three years until he was overthrown in a coup by his Minister of Defense, Colonel Houari Boumediene, on June 19, 1965. He was imprisoned until July 14, 1979, when he was released by President Chadli Bendjedid in 1982. Ahmed Ben Bella is considered the Nelson Mandela of Algeria. While Mandela spent 27 years in apartheid prisons in South Africa, Ahmed Ben Bella spent 22 years in prison, dedicating his youth and life to serving his country.