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Algerian Village Remembers Resistance Against French Colonial Rule

In 1962, the small village of Beni-Mazouz in Algeria celebrated as French colonial forces retreated, marking the end of a brutal chapter in the country’s history. The village, nestled in the wilaya of Jijel, was home to figures like Kamira Yassi, an aunt of the author’s father, who played a crucial role in the resistance against the French occupation.

Kamira, a fierce anticolonial nationalist, was a member of the National Liberation Front (FLN) and undertook covert operations to gather intelligence and transport weapons, despite the dangers she faced. Her son, Messaoud, became the first martyr of Beni-Mazouz when he was shot by French soldiers while on lookout duty.

The story of Kamira and other resistance fighters in Beni-Mazouz is a symbol of Algeria’s struggle for independence and a testament to the sacrifices made by those who fought against French oppression. Despite the violence and hardship they endured, the people of Beni-Mazouz continued to produce olive oil, a source of pride for their community.

For the author, whose father moved to England in the 1970s, summers spent in Beni-Mazouz were a stark contrast to their life in London. The rugged landscapes of their ancestral village became their childhood playground, where they roamed freely and explored the rich history of their family’s resistance against colonial rule.

As Algerians commemorate their struggle for liberation, the story of Kamira Yassi and the people of Beni-Mazouz serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of those who fought for their country’s independence. Through conversations with their father and family, the author continues to uncover the legacy of their great-aunt Kamira and the impact she had on their village during a tumultuous period in Algerian history.

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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com