Maroc-Algérie : l'avion que la France a détourné

October 22, 1956. Five FLN leaders were scheduled to travel to Tunis. A few hours later, their plane landed in Algiers, surrounded by the French army. Ahmed Ben Bella, Hocine Aït-Ahmed, Mohamed Boudiaf, Mohamed Khider, and Mostefa Lacheraf left Rabat aboard the DC-3 F-OABV to attend a political conference in Tunis. After a stopover in Palma de Mallorca, the aircraft was diverted to Algiers-Maison-Blanche Airport. Behind this flight lay a major political crisis, from Mohammed V to Guy Mollet, culminating in a surprising episode dating back to the Battle of Monte Cassino. 📌 To understand the hijacking of the FLN plane: The DC-3 was supposed to fly from Rabat to Tunis, avoiding Algerian airspace. After Palma de Mallorca, however, it received orders to head for Algiers. On board, the passengers were unaware of the change of course. The curtains are drawn and the flight attendant distracts them while the plane changes course. At Algiers-Maison-Blanche Airport, the five men are arrested. The operation immediately triggers a political and diplomatic crisis between France, Morocco, and Tunisia. ❓ Why were the FLN leaders going to Tunis? They were to participate in a Maghreb conference with Morocco and Tunisia, in a context where a political solution to the Algerian War was being sought. ❓ Who was on the plane? Ahmed Ben Bella, Hocine Aït-Ahmed, Mohamed Boudiaf, Mohamed Khider, and Mostefa Lacheraf were among the main Algerian passengers arrested after the hijacking. ❓ Who authorized the hijacking? The operation was led by the French military authorities and received the approval of Max Lejeune, among others, while Guy Mollet was initially kept out of the loop and learned of the arrest that evening. 🕊️ A route diverted, but not a revolution stopped The five men remained prisoners until 1962. Their arrest did not prevent the continuation of the Algerian War or the process that would lead to independence. 🗣️ And you? In your opinion, did this diversion primarily weaken the FLN or strengthen its cause internationally? ℹ️ Educational note: This is a historical documentary for memorial purposes. Some scenes are visual reenactments intended to illustrate the historical narrative. #FLNAirplaneHijacking #October221956 #AhmedBenBella #AïtAhmed #Boudiaf #AlgerianWar #AlgerianHistory #AlgerianMemory TIKTOK DESCRIPTION Tunis was the destination. Algiers was the trap. October 22, 1956. Five FLN leaders take off from Rabat aboard a DC-3. After Palma, an order comes through in the cockpit: head for Algiers. Upon arrival, the French army is waiting for them. Did this hijacking weaken the FLN or strengthen its cause? #FLNAirplaneHijacking #October221956 #AhmedBenBella #AlgerianWar #AlgerianHistory