Algeria's Independence Hero Overthrown by His Best Friend

Hinzugefügt: 2026-05-26

[00:00:00]The independence hero who trusted too much was destroyed by his closest friend. It's 1962, Algiers, Algeria. After 8 years of brutal war, the French finally leave and Ahmed Ben Bella becomes the first president of free Algeria. He fought in the mountains, spent years in French prisons, and led a revolution that cost 1 million lives. Now he redistributes land to peasants, nationalizes foreign companies, and builds schools in every village. World leaders seek his advice.

[00:00:30]He hosts summits, champions third world unity, and transforms Algeria into a beacon of Arab socialism. His defense minister, Houari Boumediene, stands loyally at his side through every victory. But other war veterans grow jealous of his power >> [music] >> and Boumediene listens to their complaints in secret meetings. On June 19th, 1965, Ben Bella prepares to host an [music] African summit that will crown his international success.

[00:00:56]Boumediene's tanks roll through the capital [music] at dawn. Soldiers surround the presidential palace. Ben Bella is arrested without a fight, [music] trusting his friend until the very end.

[00:01:06]He disappears into house arrest for 15 years. The independence hero who trusted too much was Ahmed Ben Bella.