Media Statement

17 April 2012

President Zuma sends condolences following the passing of the first President of independent Algeria

The South African Government has learnt with sadness the news of the passing away of the first president of independent Algeria, Mr Ahmed Ben Bella.

Shortly after independence, Mr Ben Bella became Algeria’s first President from 1962 until 1965. Under former President Ben Bella’s administration, Algeria became a key backer of anti-colonial liberation struggles in Africa and the ‘Third World’ in general.

Former President Ben Bella met with the representatives of South Africa’s national liberation movement in March 1962. At this meeting, amongst others, Algeria formally agreed to provide political and military support for the South African liberation struggle against apartheid.

On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has expressed his heartfelt condolences to President Bouteflika and the people of Algeria.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

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