Rabah Bitat Algerian political, military and statesman. Date of Birth: 19.12.1925 Country: Algeria

1. Rabah Bitat: Algerian Revolutionary and Statesman
2. Early Life and Resistance
3. Foundation of the FLN
4. Armed Struggle and Imprisonment
5. Return to Algeria and Political Career
6. Role in Post-Independence Algeria
7. Interim Presidency
8. Later Years and Legacy

Rabah Bitat: Algerian Revolutionary and Statesman

Rabah Bitat was an influential Algerian politician, military leader, and statesman. He played a pivotal role in the Algerian National Liberation Movement and later served as the Interim President of Algeria.

Early Life and Resistance

Bitat was born on December 19, 1925, near Constantine, Algeria, then under French colonial rule. He joined the Algerian People's Party (PPA) in 1940 and became a prominent member of the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Freedoms (MTLD). He played a significant role in the "Special Organization" (OS), a clandestine armed group that advocated for Algerian independence.

Foundation of the FLN

In 1954, Bitat became one of the founders of the Revolutionary Committee for Unity and Action, which aimed to reconcile factions within the MTLD. He then joined the "group of 22" that convened in Algiers in July 1954 to establish the National Liberation Front (FLN). Bitat was elected to the FLN's Revolutionary Council, known as the "group of 6."

Armed Struggle and Imprisonment

On October 10, 1954, the FLN and the National Liberation Army (ALN) were officially founded. Bitat became a commander in the ALN's IVth Zone (Algiers region). In March 1955, he was captured by French forces and sentenced to life imprisonment in France.

Return to Algeria and Political Career

After Algeria gained independence in 1962, Bitat was released from prison and returned home. He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and became a member of the FLN's Politburo. However, he later resigned from the government and left the Politburo due to disagreements with President Ahmed Ben Bella.

Role in Post-Independence Algeria

Following the overthrow of Ben Bella in 1965, Bitat collaborated with the new Revolutionary Council led by Colonel Houari Boumédiène. He was appointed Minister of State and later served as Minister of Transport. In 1977, Bitat was elected President of the National People's Assembly.

Interim Presidency

Upon Boumédiène's death in 1978, Bitat became Interim President of Algeria for 45 days. During his tenure, the FLN held its IVth Extraordinary Congress, which elected Colonel Chadli Bendjedid as President.

Later Years and Legacy

Bitat resumed his role as Parliament President and remained an influential figure within the FLN. He resigned from the Politburo in 1988 and retired from politics in 1990. Bitat's contributions to Algerian independence were honored in 1999. He passed away in Paris on April 10, 2000.