A new step in the difficult reconciliation of memories. French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday recognized the “assassination” of the leader of the National Liberation Front (FLN) Larbi Ben M'hidi “by French soldiers”, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the insurrection of November 1, 1954 which opened the Algerian War.
The President of the Republic “recognizes today that Larbi Ben M'hidi, national hero for Algeria and one of the six leaders of the FLN who launched the insurrection of November 1, 1954, was assassinated by French soldiers placed under the command of General Aussaresses,” indicates a press release from the Élysée.
Often presented by his compatriots as the “Algerian Jean Moulin”, the leader of the FLN was assassinated in 1957 by General Paul Aussaresses, who admitted it in the early 2000s, denying the official version which had disguised his death as an attempt of suicide.
Discord between Paris and Algiers
Emmanuel Macron recognizes the execution of one of the six leaders of the FLN who launched the insurrection of November 1, 1954 at a time when tensions were high between France and Algeria, particularly after an important state visit to Morocco .
“The recognition of this assassination attests that the work of historical truth, which the President of the Republic initiated with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune will continue,” underlines the press release, specifying that Emmanuel Macron’s goal is “to achieve the creation of a peaceful and shared memory”. “It is also by thinking of future generations that the Head of State makes it his duty, again and again, to seek ways of reconciling memories between the two countries,” underlines the Élysée.
Born in 1923 near Aïn M'lila, in the Aurès (north-east), Larbi Ben M'hidi was responsible for the “Autonomous Zone of Algiers since 1956”, during “the battle of Algiers”, recalls the press release. “As the President of the Republic has already recognized for Maurice Audin and Ali Boumendjel, this repression was accompanied by the establishment of a system outside the society of Human and Citizen Rights, made possible by the vote of special powers in Parliament,” specifies the Élysée.
A measure which gave at the time “carte blanche to the government to restore order in Algeria and allowing the adoption of a decree authorizing the delegation of police powers to the army, declined by prefectural decree, first in Algiers, then throughout Algeria, in 1957,” he adds.
“His charisma and courage”
A man of conviction, the courage and brilliant mind of Ben M'Hidi commanded the respect even of his adversaries. In the press release, the French Presidency paid tribute to him, ensuring that “the French soldiers who knew him by reputation were impressed by his charisma and his courage”.
During his arrest on February 23, Ben M'hidi was exhibited in front of the press, his hands restrained by handcuffs, but smiling and serene, facing the French paratroopers.
