On November 1, 1954, Algeria ignited a revolution that became a defining moment in the global fight against colonialism. The revolution, spearheaded by the National Liberation Front (FLN), was not only a struggle for national independence from French colonial rule but also a symbol of defiance and self-determination for oppressed nations around the world. Algeria’s eight-year war for independence, which culminated in 1962, inspired revolutionary movements across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Today, this revolutionary spirit continues to shape Algeria’s role on the global stage.
Algeria’s fight for independence grew out of more than a century of oppression and economic exploitation under French colonial rule. Between 1830 and 1962, the colonial France forcibly displaced millions of Algerians, expropriated our land and denigrated our culture. The colonial power destroyed entire villages and reorganized the economy to the sole benefit of European settlers at the expense of native Algerians.
Algeria’s revolution was not only pivotal for its own people but also served as a beacon for anti-colonial movements across the world. The success of Algeria’s independence encouraged other nations, from Angola to South Africa, to challenge colonial powers and assert their sovereignty.
Gaining independence, however, did not mean an end to Algeria’s challenges. The legacy of colonialism left the country economically devastated with much of its infrastructure destroyed. Algeria’s initial post-independence policies focused on reconstruction. The newly recovered sovereign nation strove to balance its revolutionary and patriotic values with the need to modernize and stabilize its economy.
With the 11th largest proven natural gas reserves globally, the hydrocarbon sector served as the backbone of Algeria’s post-independence recovery. Since joining OPEC in 1969, Algeria has become a significant producer of oil, exporting 900,000 barrels a day and providing Europe with safe and secure energy.
Algeria embraces its role as a key figure in the global energy market, with proven hydrocarbon reserves across oil, gas, condensate, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) estimated at over 4,300 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE), or more than 12 billion barrels, with natural gas alone comprising 55% of these reserves. In 2023, Algeria made eight new discoveries, potentially increasing its natural gas production from 137 to 200 billion cubic meters (Bcm). As one of Europe’s leading gas suppliers, Algeria’s ongoing investments in energy infrastructure continue to bolster its position as a secure and reliable partner in global energy markets.
Algeria’s plentiful natural resources as well as its reliability as a partner also serve as a crucial component of Europe’s energy security. The Medgaz and TransMed pipelines, which connect Algeria directly to Spain and Italy, form a vital part of Europe’s energy infrastructure, delivering billions of cubic meters of gas annually. From 2022 to 2023, Algeria’s liquefied natural gas exports grew by 26.1 percent. Projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline will further connect Africa’s natural gas reserves with European markets, providing significant potential for the future.
Algeria is not pinning its future on oil and gas only. Reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability, Algeria’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Development Plan, launched in 2015, sets ambitious goals for 2030, aiming to generate 27 percent of the country’s electricity from renewable sources.
Algeria is taking a multifaceted approach to diversifying its economy beyond its traditional reliance on oil and gas. The effort includes strategic incentives to attract foreign and private investment along with significant reforms to simplify bureaucratic processes through the creation of a "one-stop-shop" investment portal. As a result, Algeria’s economy is blossoming. Its economy grew by 4.1 percent in 2023.
Algeria also continues to affirm its role as a regional leader in North Africa, actively engaging in regional diplomacy and brokering peace to promote stability in the Sahel. Long committed to liberation and peacemaking, Algeria, under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, prioritizes constructive diplomacy over narrow self-interest and fosters solidarity within the Arab, African, and Mediterranean communities. As a key member of the African Union and the Non-Aligned Movement, Algeria remains a strong advocate for the right of nations to govern themselves free from external interference.
This commitment to international partnership and shared values has deep historical roots. Algeria and the United States share diplomatic ties that go back to the Treaty of Amity and Peace, signed on September 5, 1795, when Algeria was among the first countries to recognize U.S. independence. Since then, mutual respect and a commitment to peace have underscored relations between our nations for over two centuries.
An enduring symbol of this bond is Elkader, Iowa, named after Emir Abdelkader, the revered Algerian leader who resisted French colonization. Known for his acts of compassion, Abdelkader sheltered thousands of Christians, including American diplomats, during conflict in Damascus in 1860, an act that earned him the admiration of President Abraham Lincoln.
Algeria and the U.S. have often united in championing values such as liberty, justice, and independence. Then-Senator John F. Kennedy’s steadfast support for Algeria’s independence in 1957 left an enduring legacy among Algerians, who remember his advocacy as pivotal on the global stage.
Today, as Algeria takes its seat on the U.N. Security Council amid the tragic escalation of violence in Palestine, its focus remains on advocating for the Palestinian cause and upholding the values of justice, cooperation and adherence to the U.N. Charter. These are values that Algeria and the U.S. can continue to defend together.
Algeria’s revolution was not merely a moment in history. It laid the foundation for the creation of a modern nation. From its fight for independence to its role today as a thriving economy and regional power, Algeria’s story is one of resilience, vision and growth. The revolutionary spirit that led to independence continues to guide Algeria as it strengthens its economy, expands its influence, and champions the rights of nations across the globe.
Sabri Boukadoum, Algerian Ambassador to the United States, is a former Foreign Minister of Algeria and has held senior diplomatic posts worldwide, including as Algeria’s representative to the United Nations.
