Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, September 17, 2026
After gaining independence on July 5th, 1962, Algeria experienced a military coup in 1965 that overthrew its first president, Ahmed Ben Bella. The country later faced a devastating civil war from 1991 to 2002, triggered by the cancellation of elections, which resulted in widespread violence and significant loss of life. Despite economic reliance on oil and gas, Algeria's progress has been mixed.
“Algeria's first president was FLN leader Ahmed Ben Bella.”
“But his time in office was short, as he was overthrown in a June 1965 military coup led by Houari Boumédiène.”
“In 1991, the Islamic Salvation Front, or FIS, saw electoral success.”
“Fearing an Islamic government, authorities canceled the elections, which triggered a civil war that lasted until 2002.”