Algeria: The First Revolt

"The revolution must go on!" cried Strongman Ahmed ben Bella. Countered Colonel Mohand Ou el Hadj: "The time has come to give the right of speech to all revolutionaries." Thus the first revolt broke out last week against Ben Bella's year-old regime. To be sure, the motives included provincial pride, poverty and political ambition. But the root cause was Ben Bella's drive toward absolute power at the expense of his onetime, rebel comrades in Algeria's struggle for independence. Stronghold of the revolt was fabled Kabylia, a sweep of razor-spined mountains and deep...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!