Ahmed Ben Bella
Ahmed Ben Bella was a leader of the Algerian war of independence. In 1963 he became the first president of independent Algeria. He was born on 25 December 1916 in Maghnia, in the wilaya of Tlemcen, and died at his home in Algiers on 11 April 2012.
Ahmed Ben Bella was a leader of the Algerian war of independence. In 1963 he became the first president of independent Algeria. He was born on 25 December 1916 in Maghnia, in the wilaya of Tlemcen, and died at his home in Algiers on 11 April 2012.
Ben Bella came from a farming family. In the Second World War he served in the French army and won the Military Medal at Monte Cassino, in Italy, in 1944.
After the war the former soldier joined the Algerian national movement. He became one of the leaders of the National Liberation Front, the FLN, which began the armed struggle in 1954.
From 1956 until 1962 he was held in French prisons. When independence came in 1962, he became head of government, and the next year he was elected president.
His time in power lasted until June 1965. He lived to 95 and was buried at El Alia cemetery.
Few names are so closely linked to the birth of the Algerian state.
Start the conversation
Add what you know, ask a question or share your view.
Signing in takes one code sent to your email. No password.