In commemoration of National Mujahid Day, marking the double anniversary of the North Constantine Offensive and the Soummam Conference (1955-1956), and under the theme “In the Footsteps of Their Struggle, We Proceed,” the Embassy of Algeria in Windhoek marked this anniversary to honor this prominent historical milestone in our national struggle. The event was held in the presence of members of the national community residing in Namibia and members of an Algerian delegation visiting the country.
The ceremony included the hoisting of the national flag, the playing of the national anthem, and the laying of a wreath, followed by the recitation of Al-Fatiha in memory of our valiant martyrs.
The occasion also featured an address delivered by the Chargé d'Affaires a.i., highlighting the strategic dimensions of these two events within the glorious Liberation Revolution.
Glory and eternity to our valiant martyrs. Long live Algeria, free and proud.
Embassy of Algeria in Windhoek.
National Mujahid Day (August 20, 1955 – 1956 / 2026)
Two Decisive Turning Points in the Path of the Glorious Liberation Revolution
Every year on August 20, Algeria commemorates "National Mujahid Day," a momentous date deeply anchored in the collective memory of the Algerian people. It marks a double historic anniversary that paved the way for victory and sovereignty: the North Constantine Offensive (August 20, 1955) and the historic Soummam Conference (August 20, 1956). For the year 2026, Algeria marks this national milestone under the central theme: "In the Footsteps of Their Struggle, We Proceed," reaffirming our enduring commitment to safeguarding the legacy of our valiant martyrs in the continued building of a strong and prosperous nation.
1. The North Constantine Offensive (August 20, 1955): A Strategic Shift and Popular Rallying The North Constantine Offensive constituted a pivotal strategic breakthrough during the critical first year of the Liberation Revolution. Under the meticulous planning and leadership of the Commander of Zone II, the heroic martyr Zighoud Yousef, the National Liberation Army (ALN), actively supported by broad segments of the population, launched coordinated, daylight attacks against colonial military installations and strategic strongholds across Skikda, Collo, El Harrouch, Constantine, Guelma, and El Milia.
This offensive accomplished major strategic objectives:
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Domestically: It successfully broke the intense colonial military siege imposed on Zone I (Aurès), proved the Revolution’s operational capability to shift armed confrontation into major urban centers, and conclusively demonstrated the widespread popular foundation of the struggle, dismantling colonial misinformation.
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Regionally and Internationally: It manifested concrete solidarity with the brotherly Moroccan people on the second anniversary of the forced exile of the late King Mohammed V (August 20, 1953). Furthermore, it contributed directly to the internationalization of the Algerian Question, leading to its official inscription on the agenda of the 10th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 1955.
2. The Soummam Conference (August 20, 1956): Institutionalizing the Struggle and Structuring the State Two years into the armed struggle, the village of Ifri Ouzellaguen in the Soummam Valley (Zone III) hosted the most pivotal national gathering of the Revolution's leadership, presided over by the heroic martyr Mohamed Larbi Ben M'hidi, with Abane Ramdane serving as Secretary. The Conference established an institutional roadmap that structured both the political and military architecture of the Revolution:
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Institutional and Political Organization: The conference issued a comprehensive political platform setting the foundational principles of the future Algerian State. It established a unified supreme command composed of the National Council of the Algerian Revolution (CNRA) as the supreme legislative body, and the Committee of Coordination and Implementation (CCE) as the executive authority.
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Territorial and Military Reorganization: The national territory was reorganized into six historic Wilayas (including the creation of Wilaya VI and the Autonomous Zone of Algiers). It standardized military hierarchies, uniform ranks, and logistical structures within the ALN, while instituting the fundamental principles of the primacy of the political over the military and the interior over the exterior.
The commemoration of this double anniversary stands as an enduring testament to the strategic foresight of our first generation of Mujahideen and martyrs. The principles forged on August 20 continue to serve as a guiding beacon for present and future generations, steering the diplomatic, political, and socio-economic advancement of contemporary Algeria.
Click here to download the book published by the Ministry of Mujahideen for this occasion..
A commemorative photo of some participants in the Soummam Conference.