On November 15, 2024, Algeria marked its 70th anniversary of independence—a monumental milestone commemorating its historic eight-year struggle against French colonial rule.
This significant occasion, observed globally, was solemnly marked in Tanzania at the Algerian Embassy in Dar es Salaam. I had the privilege of attending this commemorative event, which underscored the enduring bonds of solidarity and shared values between Algeria and Tanzania.
The event featured a powerful speech from His Excellency Ahmed Djelal, the Algerian Ambassador to Tanzania, who reflected on the principles of freedom, self-determination, international cooperation, and peaceful coexistence.
This anniversary not only celebrated Algeria’s remarkable journey to independence but also emphasised the ongoing relevance of these ideals, particularly in relation to the unresolved struggle for Western Sahara’s liberation.
Algeria’s independence in 1962 was a landmark victory, achieved after one of the most gruelling anti-colonial wars in modern history. The eight-year Algerian Revolution claimed over a million lives and inspired liberation movements across the globe. The 70th anniversary serves as a solemn reminder of these sacrifices and a testament to Algeria’s commitment to the principles of self-determination and justice.
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As attendees at the embassy ceremony, we were reminded of the broader implications of Algeria’s fight for freedom, which resonates with the struggles of other nations, particularly in Africa. Ambassador Djelal highlighted how the lessons of Algeria’s history continue to inform its foreign policy, particularly in supporting other peoples fighting for their right to self-determination.
Partners in liberation
Tanzania and Algeria share a storied history of collaboration in the pursuit of African liberation. Tanzania, under the leadership of President Julius Nyerere, became a hub for anti-colonial movements, offering a home and support for leaders of liberation struggles across the continent. Meanwhile, Algeria, drawing from its revolutionary experience, provided training and resources to fighters resisting colonial and apartheid regimes.
The two nations worked hand-in-hand through the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union, to advocate for decolonisation and the liberation of oppressed peoples. Their partnership remains a model of pan-African solidarity, rooted in shared values and mutual respect.
One of the central themes of the evening was the ongoing struggle for Western Sahara’s self-determination. Western Sahara, Africa’s last colony, remains under Moroccan occupation despite decades of international resolutions affirming the right of the Sahrawi people to independence.
Ambassador Djelal reiterated Algeria’s steadfast support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Polisario Front, calling for a peaceful resolution based on international law. His remarks echoed Tanzania’s consistent advocacy for Western Sahara’s liberation, a cause deeply aligned with its legacy of supporting justice and decolonisation.
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During the ceremony, it was clear that the Sahrawi issue holds a special place in the hearts of both Algerians and Tanzanians. The shared conviction that freedom and self-determination are fundamental rights binds these two nations in their commitment to resolving one of Africa’s most protracted conflicts.
Call for unity and peace
In his address, Ambassador Djelal emphasised the importance of international cooperation and peaceful coexistence as cornerstones for resolving conflicts and building a more equitable world. He pointed out that these values, which guided Algeria’s independence, remain essential in addressing current challenges, from Western Sahara to broader global injustices.
As someone present at the event, I was struck by the ambassador’s sincerity and the weight of his words. His emphasis on unity and the collective responsibility of African nations resonated deeply, reminding all in attendance of the power of solidarity in achieving lasting change.
The absence of cultural displays during the commemoration reinforced the focus on Algeria’s historical achievements and the enduring relevance of its principles. As attendees, we were invited to reflect not just on Algeria’s past but also on the work to ensure that all nations and peoples enjoy the freedoms Algeria fought so hard to secure.
For Tanzania, the occasion was a reminder of its own legacy as a champion of African liberation and its continued role in advocating for unresolved struggles like the Western Sahara. The partnership between Algeria and Tanzania is a living testament to the power of shared values in shaping a brighter future.
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Algeria’s 70th independence anniversary symbolises resilience, solidarity, and the unyielding quest for justice. For those of us who attended the embassy’s commemoration, it was an opportunity to reflect on the unfinished business of liberation, from Western Sahara to other struggles for freedom worldwide.
As Ambassador Djelal eloquently stated, the principles of freedom, self-determination, and peaceful coexistence are not confined to history—they are guiding lights for the present and future.
Algeria and Tanzania’s shared legacy reminds us that when nations stand together, they can overcome even the most entrenched injustices. In celebrating Algeria’s independence, we honour not only its past but also its ongoing commitment to ensuring that freedom and justice prevail for all.
John Kitoka is an independent research consultant and writer on socio-economic and political affairs based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He’s available at +255 755 622697 or kitoka2000@gmail.com. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Chanzo. If you are interested in publishing in this space, please contact our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
