On the occasion of National Mujahid Day, commemorating the double anniversary of the North Constantine offensives of August 20, 1955, and the Soummam Congress of August 20, 1956, President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, in a message addressed this Wednesday to the nation, paid a vibrant tribute to the martyrs and veterans, while strongly urging the current generation to pursue the noble work of the fathers of the Revolution and to durably consolidate the precious achievements of independent Algeria.
On this highly symbolic day, the Head of State first bowed with deference to the memory of the freedom fighters, both the martyrs who fell on the field of honor and the surviving veterans, who knew how to “fight and persevere until victory.” He sharply recalled the founding historical impact of August 20, a key date uniting two decisive events in the national liberation process and in the political and military maturation of the sovereign revolutionary project.
Reflecting with precision on the strategic scope of the North Constantine offensives, bravely led by the martyr and iconic figure Zighout Youcef, President Tebboune highlighted their tremendous scale, lightning determination, and deep geostrategic dimension, affirming with conviction that “the North Constantine offensives were and will remain carriers of the highest values.” He emphasized that this major stage of the Glorious Liberation War remains an inexhaustible source of lessons for the present and the future, arguing that these daring operations embodied, under the unifying banner of the National Liberation Front and the National Liberation Army, the cardinal virtues of sacrifice, courage, and national cohesion.
The President of the Republic added that these offensives masterfully demonstrated that the Algerian Revolution fundamentally rested on deep popular mobilization and an indomitable collective will to shatter the machiavellian plans of the colonial power. He assured that they constitute in this capacity “major historical lessons,” particularly regarding unwavering unity and social cohesion, which remain the cardinal and unalterable constants of sovereign Algeria.
The other founding historical event inextricably tied to August 20 is the Soummam Congress, held in 1956. The Head of State recalled with emphasis the strategic dimension of this memorable gathering, which laid the solid foundations for a rigorous and structured organization of the Revolution across its multiple dimensions.
The Soummam Congress thus outlined the contours of a modern framework for the liberation struggle, harmoniously integrating its military, logistical, and organizational facets, alongside its political, institutional, and media dimensions. According to the vision of Abdelmadjid Tebboune, it was a major project designed to equip the Revolution with the essential tools to prevail on all fronts and carry its just cause to international forums.
The President skillfully established a subtle yet essential distinction between the two major stages commemorated on this memorable day. Emphasizing that “if August 20, 1955, embodied a strategy to confront the enemy forces on the ground, August 20, 1956, constituted a qualitative leap that developed a multidimensional strategy.” He forcefully maintained that this harmonious linkage between armed action on the ground and the political and institutional structuring of the Revolution gradually and permanently shifted the balance of power against the oppressive colonial system. The Algerian Revolution thus became, through its heroic and universal struggle, a timeless benchmark for all peoples across the globe aspiring to freedom, dignity, and emancipation.
A Source of Inspiration for the Rising Generation
Beyond the strictly commemorative dimension, the presidential message establishes a direct and necessary bridge between the sacrifices made by the November generation and the geopolitical and civic responsibilities of contemporary Algeria. President Tebboune called for considering these major historical milestones not merely as static markers fixed in the past, but as a living source of inspiration to successfully carry out national development. He forcefully asserted that “the present of victorious Algeria is realized in the jealous preservation of national sovereignty and the continuous strengthening of a state rendered strong through its institutions,” highlighting the pivotal role of youth and the steadfast cohesion of the Algerian people.
Within this framework, the Head of State underscored the imperative need to keep the “message of the martyrs and veterans” eternally alive, transforming their legacy into a driving engine to stimulate the country’s development and consolidate its influence on the international stage.
Addressing the youth and active forces of the nation, Abdelmadjid Tebboune invited them to “fulfill the noble message of the fathers and grandfathers,” to deeply absorb the lessons of their sacrifices, and to redouble efforts to advance the country while fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the November generation.
This powerful message concluded with a solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Revolution and a warm salute of deep gratitude toward living veterans, to whom the President extended his best wishes for “health and well-being.”
It served as a fitting reminder that behind this double anniversary lies a single requirement: to guard national memory, cement the sacred unity of the nation, and align the sacrifices of the November generation with the ongoing project of building a modern, prosperous, and independent Algeria.