Memory Forum.. Mandela’s relationship with Algeria was distinguished and strong, and he was inspired by her revolution to resist the “apartheid” regime – Al-Hiwar Al-Jazaeryia

Participants in the “Memory Forum”, today, Wednesday, in Algiers, confirmed that the relationship of the fighter and former South African president, Nelson Mandela, was “distinguished and strong” with Algeria, because he was affected by its revolution, from which he was inspired by his resistance to the apartheid regime that prevailed in his country.
And participated in the forum organized by the “Meshaal Al-Shahid” Association and the “Al-Mujahid” newspaper, coinciding with the 61st anniversary of the restoration of national sovereignty and the International Day of Nelson Mandela, which falls on July 18 of each year, Mandela’s companions during the liberation revolution, Noureddine Judy, and diplomats, including ambassadors Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Vietnam to Algeria and the Chargé d’Affaires of the South African Embassy.
The head of the International Association of Friends of the Algerian Revolution, Noureddine Djoudi, said that Nelson Mandela received military training at the hands of Algerians and that his struggle was inspired by the struggle of the Algerian revolutionaries and the glorious revolution, pointing out that he returned to the struggle against “apartheid” in South Africa as soon as he completed this military training. Then he was arrested in 1962 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The former diplomat also pointed out that the Algerian revolution did not inspire “Madiba” only militarily, but also on the diplomatic level, as he benefited greatly from the Algerian experience in his struggle against racist politics.
Noureddine Judy took advantage of the occasion to discuss the Palestinian cause, whose people are experiencing continuous Zionist aggression and violation, especially against the city of Jenin and its camp, as well as the desert issue, whose people are suffering under the yoke of the Moroccan occupation, as the Makhzen regime continues its continuous violations of human rights in the desert lands. Occupied, illegally exploiting the natural resources of Western Sahara.
In this regard, the former Algerian ambassador to South Africa regrets that Western Sahara, which is the last African colony, is occupied by an African country, adding that “whatever the circumstances, freedom and independence will be the ally of the Sahrawis, as well as the Palestinians.”
Judy reaffirmed that Algeria has been and still is supporting the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples for their right to self-determination and independence, and that supporting liberation movements is one of the firm principles of Algeria as a “meeting destination for the revolutionaries.”

Demands to expand the scope of Nelson Mandela’s values ​​and principles

In a speech he delivered on the occasion, the Chargé d’Affairs at the South African Embassy in Algeria, Silo Patrick Rangomis, pointed out that the commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s International Day this year comes under the slogan “The matter is in my hands,” adding that from this standpoint, “we are gathered today to present our contributions.” In creating a better life for ourselves, our communities, our countries, our continent and our world.”
The diplomat called for raising awareness and expanding the scope of Nelson Mandela’s values ​​and principles, which include fighting injustice, helping the needy, practicing reconciliation, and following in the footsteps of the former South African leader based on dedication to serving all humanitarian issues.
And at a time when Silou Patrick Rangomis called for not forgetting that “the iconic image that Mandela acquired and represented came from his interaction, learning and exchange with the Algerian revolution, which has always been a source of inspiration for the revolutionaries,” he thanked the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, and the Algerian government and people for “their recognition of Mandela’s contributions.” And his struggle, by naming one of the facilities after him (Mandela Stadium in Baraki). We, as South Africans, and as friends of Algeria, are proud of that.”
For his part, Venezuela’s ambassador to Algeria, Juan Arias, said that the late Mandela taught everyone how to be a politician and a fighter at the same time, “The most important thing is that we have a sense of responsibility and not just be in the political leadership.”
Ambassador Juan Arias saluted the spirit of the late leader Nelson Mandela, noting that it will always remain a symbol of the struggle for liberation from oppression and liberation, and the elimination of the apartheid system.
The Venezuelan ambassador highlighted that the path of the South African revolution led by Mandela is the same as the path of the liberation revolutions of many oppressed peoples who suffered from the yoke of colonialism and yearned for freedom, but, during those revolutions, he adds, there is usually a media war that works to falsify facts. and concealing it, “which we as Venezuelans were victims of.”
On July 18, corresponding to the date of birth of Madiba, the world commemorates Nelson Mandela International Day, which was declared in November 2009 by UNESCO, which recognized the contribution made by this leader to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace and freedom at the global level.