The French separatist project in the Algerian Sahara and the attitudes of local leaders towards it 1956-1962

Abstract

The economic and geostrategic importance of the Algerian Sahara emerged after the Second World War. Therefore, the colonial administration planned future projects aimed at securing the secession of the southern part of Algeria. France attempted to give legitimacy to its separatist proposal by co-opting the Saharan leaders who occupy religious, mystical or tribal positions.

     This research paper tries to shed light on the French project that aims to establish the independent Saharan republic through seducing the local leaders into supporting its separatist plan. This led the local leaders to adopt different attitudes towards the separatist plan based on their interests and ideologies