Lagos, Nigeria – Djamila Boupacha, born on 9 February 1938 in Saint-Eugène (now Bologhine), Algeria, is one of the most iconic figures of Algeria’s independence movement. A member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), Boupacha became a symbol of resistance, not only for her active role in the fight against colonial rule but also for her bravery in the face of colonial atrocities. Her story exposed the brutalities of French rule and highlighted the resilience of Algerian women in the struggle for freedom.
Boupacha was raised in a modest family. Her father, Abdelaziz Boupacha, was uneducated but fluent in French, while her mother, Zoubida Amarouche, did not speak the language. This upbringing gave Djamila an acute awareness of the social and cultural inequalities imposed by French colonialism. At the age of 15, she joined the Democratic Union of the Algerian Manifesto (UDMA), led by Ferhat Abbas, marking the beginning of her political activism.
She later became an active member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), the leading organisation in Algeria’s independence movement. Under the nom de guerre “Khelida,” she engaged in revolutionary activities such as distributing propaganda, providing logistical support, and participating in direct acts of resistance against French forces.
On 10 February 1960, French forces arrested Djamila, along with her father and brother-in-law. She was accused of planting a bomb at a university restaurant in September 1959. During her detention, she was subjected to horrific torture, including sexual violence, a common tactic used by the French military to terrorise and humiliate Algerian women.
Despite the brutal treatment, Boupacha displayed extraordinary resilience, refusing to yield entirely to her captors’ demands. Her case epitomised the systematic use of torture during the Algerian War and became a focal point for international condemnation.
Boupacha’s plight gained international attention thanks to the efforts of her lawyer, Gisèle Halimi, and feminist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. Together, they brought her case to light, exposing the inhumane treatment inflicted on Algerians by the French authorities. The revelations about her torture shocked global audiences and mobilised public opinion against the colonial regime.
In 1962, Halimi and Beauvoir co-authored the book Djamila Boupacha, which detailed her ordeal and the broader atrocities of the French colonial system. The book became a critical document in the fight against colonial oppression and a rallying cry for justice.
On 29 June 1961, Djamila was sentenced to death. However, mounting international pressure and the ongoing negotiations for Algeria’s independence under the Évian Accords spared her life. She was released on 21 April 1962, just months before Algeria officially gained its independence.
After her release, Boupacha became a national hero, embodying the strength and sacrifice of Algerian women during the liberation struggle. Despite her iconic status, she chose to lead a private life, distancing herself from the political spotlight. In 2022, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered her a senatorial position, which she declined, reaffirming her preference for remaining a private citizen.
Djamila remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and dignity. Her story highlights the essential role of women in Algeria’s fight for independence and underscores the brutal gendered violence employed by colonial forces. She continues to inspire global movements for liberation and human rights.
Her legacy has been immortalised not only in books but also in art. Pablo Picasso famously created a portrait of Boupacha, cementing her status as an icon of resistance on the international stage.
Djamila Boupacha’s life stands as a testament to the enduring fight for justice and equality. Her remarkable courage in the face of unimaginable adversity serves as an inspiration to generations. Beyond Algeria, her story resonates as a universal symbol of resistance against oppression and the unwavering pursuit of freedom.
Her unwavering dedication to the cause of liberation, even in the face of horrific violence, underscores the resilience and strength that defined the Algerian fight for independence. Boupacha’s bravery shattered stereotypes about the role of women in revolutionary movements, proving that they were not merely supporters but also fearless leaders and frontline fighters in the struggle for justice. Her defiance of colonial brutality is a legacy that continues to ignite pride and determination among Algerians.
In Algeria’s modern era, Boupacha’s story serves as a call to action for younger generations to preserve the hard-won freedom their forebears fought for. Her life reminds citizens of the sacrifices made to achieve sovereignty and the ongoing responsibility to uphold the ideals of equality, dignity, and justice. In classrooms, public forums, and cultural spaces, her name is invoked as a beacon of patriotism and a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Algerian people.
As Algeria charts its future, the values embodied by figures like Djamila Boupacha remain central to its national identity. Her legacy invites every Algerian to reflect on the principles of unity and courage that built the nation, urging them to honour their history by striving for a more prosperous, just, and inclusive society. Through her actions and sacrifices, Djamila Boupacha not only shaped the course of Algeria’s past but continues to inspire its vision for the future.
