Ahmed Ben Bella

Profession: Socialist Revolutionary and 1st President of Algeria

Nationality:

Biography: Ahmed Ben Bella was an Algerian political figure who became the first President of Algeria. He is known for his central role in the Algerian War of Independence and his presidency following the country's liberation from French colonial rule.

Ben Bella started as a member of the nationalist movement during his education in Tlemcen. He volunteered for the French Army during World War II, where he earned the Croix de Guerre and Médaille militaire. The Sétif and Guelma massacre in 1945, however, influenced him to actively oppose French rule in Algeria.

Ben Bella co-founded the Organisation Spéciale and the National Liberation Front (FLN). He was involved in military and political strategy, including leading a significant robbery for funding as well as evading multiple assassination attempts. Despite being arrested in 1956, he was released in 1962 with the Evian Accords.

After Algerian independence, Ben Bella became the country's first President, implementing socialist and Pan-Arabist policies. His presidency faced several conflicts, including the Sand War and internal opposition. He was overthrown by Houari Boumédiène in 1965 and placed under house arrest for 14 years.

Following his release and time in exile, Ben Bella returned to Algeria where he advocated for democracy and criticized militant Islam. He participated in initiatives like the International Campaign Against Aggression on Iraq and led the African Union Panel of the Wise.

Born: December 25, 1918
Birthplace: Maghnia, French Algeria

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: April 11, 2012 (aged 93)