Algerian revolutionary and historian Mohamed Harbi dies at 92 in Paris

The historian and former Algerian activist, Mohamed Harbi, passed away at the age of 92 on January 1, 2026, at Saint-Antoine Hospital in Paris, France, due to a pulmonary infection. An esteemed professor of history at the Sorbonne, Harbi, who was born in El Harrouch near Skikda, is celebrated as one of the pivotal figures of the Algerian revolution. He notably distinguished himself by drafting the «Tripoli Charter» in June 1962.

On the brink of Algeria's independence, his influential contribution imparted a socialist dimension to the National Liberation Front (FLN), which was grappling with challenges. Throughout those years, he maintained strong ties with Morocco through Mehdi Ben Barka, with whom he collaborated in organizing the Tricontinental Conference in Havana.

A close associate of Mohamed Bali, Mohamed Bensaid, and particularly Mohamed Fqih Basri, the late Harbi was also known for his staunch opposition to the Algerian military regime, especially following the rise of Houari Boumediene, who imprisoned him for ten years.

Academically, Mohamed Harbi leaves a profound legacy. Alongside his collaboration with Benjamin Stora on Algerian immigration, he authored numerous seminal works on the Algerian War of Liberation.