Content creator highlights the forgotten history of Algerians exiled to New Caledonia
via Algérie3606 min read
The history of Algerians deported to New Caledonia in the 19th century, following colonial insurrections, is resurfacing through new initiatives. For over a century, this narrative remained largely untold, preserved in family silences and fragmented archives. Content creator Mehdi Chettah, with over 1.1 million TikTok followers, recently published a video featuring an elderly witness who shared a moving account of this exile. The witness described how some individuals faced immense pressure to change their names and convert to Christianity to access education, highlighting the fragility of their original identity. Despite being born in New Caledonia and holding French nationality, the witness expressed profound pride in his Algerian identity, emphasizing that his roots, passed down by his family and grandparents, remain strong. This video underscores a living collective memory where Algerian identity persists despite exile and generations. The deportations, particularly after the 1871 uprising led by Cheikh El Mokrani, saw over 2,000 Algerians condemned to forced exile, a journey of 18,000 kilometers on penitentiary ships under brutal conditions. Upon arrival, they were subjected to forced labor, contributing to colonial development. Over time, some settled in areas like Bourail or La Foa, forming communities. This history, long confined to families due to shame or pain, was largely absent from official French and independent Algerian historical narratives. Today, approximate
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadFollowing a deadly fire at the Mohammadia Assisted Children's Establishment, Algerian authorities are urging vigilance against a wave of misinformation and AI-generated images circulating on social media. These images are falsely presented as depicting victims of the fire, with accompanying incorrect information about the identities and ages of the residents. Authorities formally deny the authenticity of these widely shared visuals, stating they do not represent anyone affected by the tragedy. The Ministry of National Solidarity, Family, and Women's Affairs clarified that residents ranged from 7 to 48 years old, with no infants present at the time of the incident. Authorities emphasize that these deceptive contents mislead the public and disrespect the victims and their families. The fire, which occurred around 3:30 AM in a first-floor room, is believed to have started from an electrical spark from a continuously operating air conditioner during a heatwave, according to preliminary findings from the National Security's scientific police. The judicial investigation is ongoing. The official toll from the Civil Protection indicates eleven fatalities, including a 52-year-old educator, and nineteen injured, with ten suffering burns, two experiencing respiratory difficulties, and seven in psychological shock. Five people with special needs were also evacuated to a secure location. Authorities remind the public that spreading unverified information, especially content that harms ind
Must ReadUpon his return from Germany, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune immediately visited the Zeralda University Hospital Center for burn victims to check on the survivors of the Mohammadia Assisted Children's Establishment fire. The fire, which occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday, resulted in the deaths of ten children and a 52-year-old educator, and left 19 others injured. President Tebboune assured that the injured are in "safe hands" and emphasized the need for rigorous psychological support for the traumatized victims. He guaranteed the state's full mobilization, stating that all necessary resources have been provided to the medical teams at Zeralda University Hospital, which is equipped with highly qualified medical staff and advanced equipment. Care will be provided until the complete recovery of each patient. The president's visit, following an official trip to Germany, underscored the priority given to this national tragedy; he had previously paid tribute to the victims during a joint press conference with Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin. The fire, which started around 3:30 AM on Thursday, July 16, in the eastern Algiers suburb of Mohammadia, was likely caused by an electrical spark from an air conditioner, according to scientific police experts. Five individuals with special needs were evacuated to safety. The institutional response included Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, accompanied by several ministers, visiting the hospitals to assess the situation and offer co
Must ReadAlgeria's Directorate General of Civil Protection has issued an urgent recall for all its agents across 44 wilayas to report to their units immediately. This measure comes in response to a severe heatwave, with temperatures nearing 50°C in Saharan regions and affecting coastal wilayas, alongside a concerning increase in forest fires. The National Office of Meteorology has issued special bulletins forecasting temperatures potentially exceeding 48°C until next Sunday. The recall primarily affects personnel from the National Training and Intervention Unit in Algiers and operational units in 44 northern and southern wilayas, including Tlemcen, Sidi Bel Abbès, Aïn Témouchent, Oran, Mascara, Saïda, Mostaganem, Relizane, Chlef, Tiaret, Naâma, El Bayadh, Laghouat, Djelfa, Tissemsilt, Aïn Defla, Tipaza, Alger, Blida, Médéa, Boumerdès, Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, Béjaïa, Jijel, Skikda, Annaba, El Tarf, Guelma, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Sétif, Constantine, M’Sila, Mila, Souk Ahras, El M’Ghair, El Oued, Batna, Khenchela, Oum El Bouaghi, Tébessa, Biskra, Ouled Djellal, and Touggourt. The Civil Protection has also urged the public to exercise caution, avoid approaching fires or attempting to extinguish them independently, and refrain from entering forested areas. Drivers and residents are asked to keep access roads clear for emergency vehicles, and those in threatened areas must comply immediately with evacuation orders. As of Thursday midday, 62 fires had been reported across 14 northern wilayas, with