Algeria

The Battle of Annual, fought in June 1921, was a significant confrontation between colonial Spanish forces and the Berbers led by Abd el-Krim in the Rif region, part of present-day Morocco and Algeria. It resulted in a devastating defeat for the Spanish army, influencing anti-colonial uprisings and strategies throughout North Africa, including neighboring Algeria. This battle exemplified early 20th-century resistance against colonial rule in the region.

The Algerian War of Independence began on November 1, 1954, marked by the insurgent attacks launched by the National Liberation Front (FLN) against French military and civilian targets. This insurgency, fraught with guerrilla warfare and brutal colonial repression, fiercely contested the legitimacy of French rule in Algeria. The war involved complex political, military, and social struggles that ultimately ended with Algerian independence in 1962.

On July 5, 1962, Algeria gained independence from France after a prolonged and bloody war of independence that lasted from 1954 to 1962. The struggle involved numerous attacks and battles, as well as diplomatic efforts. The conflict, known as the Algerian War, saw the National Liberation Front (FLN) fight against French forces. This independence was formalized following a referendum in which Algerians overwhelmingly voted for independence.

The Western Sahara conflict began on June 27, 1975, involving Morocco, Mauritania, and the Polisario Front, with Algeria providing support to the Polisario. The conflict emerged after the Spanish colonizers withdrew from Western Sahara. Algeria's role was significant as it opposed Morocco's annexation and hosted Polisario Front refugees. The conflict has resulted in decades-long tension and stalemates, impacting regional stability and politics.

The October 1988 Riots in Algeria were a series of economic and political protests that turned into rioting. The riots were sparked by severe economic conditions and discontentment with the one-party system led by the National Liberation Front (FLN). Rapidly spreading across the country, these demonstrations were met with a harsh response from the government. The unrest led to the deaths of hundreds of people and significant injury, and it ultimately forced political changes and reforms.

The Algerian Civil War began in December 1991 after the government canceled the first round of elections that the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) was poised to win. This led to a conflict between Algerian government forces and various Islamist rebel groups. The war was characterized by extreme violence, including massacres and terrorism, and it lasted until 2002, claiming the lives of an estimated 200,000 people.

Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid resigned on April 27, 1999, amid immense political pressure during the height of the Algerian Civil War. His resignation was prompted by tension between the Algerian military and Islamists, particularly after the government annulled election results in 1991, triggering the civil war. Bendjedid's departure led to a power vacuum and further turmoil during one of the most difficult periods in Algeria's recent history.

The Black Spring refers to a period of violent protests and civil unrest among the Kabyle people in the region of Kabylia in northeastern Algeria. Beginning in April 2001, the unrest was triggered by the death of a young student, Massinissa Guermah, while in police custody, which led to massive protests against police violence and calls for ethnic and cultural rights. The protests lasted several years, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people and numerous injuries.

Starting in late 2010, Algeria witnessed a wave of protests inspired by the Arab Spring movements across the region. Protests were largely fueled by unhappiness with unemployment, high living costs, and political corruption. Although less prominent than in other Arab countries, the Algerian protests led to some changes, including partial lifting of the 19-year old state of emergency and promises from the government to implement reforms.

The 2019 Algerian Protests, beginning in February, saw millions of Algerians take to the streets. Initially sparked by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's announcement to run for a fifth term, the demonstrations expanded to protest corruption, unemployment, and a lack of political freedom. Dubbed the 'Hirak Movement,' the protests eventually led to Bouteflika's resignation in April 2019 and sparked dialogues on democratic reforms.