The Wilaya of Tlemcen hosted, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the official ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of the May 8, 1945 massacres, under the chairmanship of Mr. Youssef Bechelaoui, Wali of the Wilaya, in the presence of the President of the People’s Provincial Assembly.

This day of remembrance, dedicated to the memory of more than 45,000 martyrs who sacrificed their lives for freedom and national independence, was marked by the strong participation of civil, military, and security authorities, members of the security committee, parliamentarians, representatives of the revolutionary family, as well as provincial officials and numerous media representatives.

The commemorative events began with the launch of a medical caravan from the headquarters of the Wilaya, benefiting populations in mountainous and border areas. This humanitarian initiative mobilized several hospitals and primary health care structures. The authorities then visited a historical exhibition organized by the archives department, retracing the crimes of colonialism and the Algerian people's resistance.

In a solemn and patriotic atmosphere, the ceremony continued at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Maghnia, where the national flag was hoisted, followed by the national anthem, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the recitation of Al-Fatiha in memory of the martyrs.
A particularly moving moment was dedicated to the reburial of the remains of three martyrs recently discovered in the Maghnia region. Their families, present at the ceremony, received honorary distinctions in recognition of their loved ones’ sacrifice.

The commemorative activities continued in the commune of Maghnia with several symbolic events, including:

• Visits to moudjahidine (veterans) and their families,
• Inspection of the renovated headquarters of the National Organization of Moudjahidine,
• Launch of a blood donation campaign, jointly organized by the Civil Protection Department and the Directorate of Health and Population,
• Commissioning of an industrial bakery (SARL King Artisan) in the Bilal neighborhood.

The closing ceremony featured a historical conference held at the Scientific Leisure Center of Maghnia under the theme: “The Crimes of French Colonialism in Algeria through the Archives (1830–1962)”. The conference was led by a group of researchers and university professors, highlighting the historical and memorial significance of the day.

In his address, the Wali of Tlemcen emphasized:

“The National Day of Remembrance represents a solemn pledge of loyalty to the sacrifice of the Nation’s heroes, who inscribed Algeria’s history with their blood, faith, and courage. It is also a duty to transmit the values of patriotism and belonging to future generations.”

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of 150 assisted promotional housing (LPA) units and 105 rural housing aid decisions, symbolizing the State’s ongoing commitment to social development and the improvement of citizens’ living conditions.