Djamila Bouhired
1935
Algerian Revolutionary and
Independence Fighter. Djamila
joined the Algerian National
Liberation Front (FLN) while
a student activist fighting for
Algerian Independence from French
colonialism.
"I am pleased that my life has meaning and a direction that I chose from the very beginning,
which is that of the Algerian people's struggle against colonialism and oppression from
foreigners...I cannot express my happiness to be in the maquis better than by briefly taking
stock of my positive experiences: Firstly, I became aware of the superiority of our organisation
although I already knew that our struggle needed fighters and leaders. I understood that our
army encompasses everything and assigns everybody the appropriate role and gives them
the necessary responsibility.... Secondly and equally important, I understood that the enormous
apparatus that our leaders have rapidly set up rests on solid and proven foundations such
as the confidence, devotion, participation and even heroism of our civilian population."
