The Algerian people celebrate the “National Day of Algerian Muslim Scouts” on Monday, May 27, 2024, to commemorate the role of the Algerian Muslim Scouts Organization (SMA) in the struggle for national liberation.
This date, designated as a National Day by Presidential Decree No. 21-172 on April 28, 2021, coincides with the anniversary of the martyrdom of Mohamed Bouras, the founder of SMA, who was executed by French colonial forces in 1941 in Algiers.
Mohamed Bouras established the Scouts organization under the name “El Falah” in 1935, which later became the SMA four years later. He dedicated his life to the training of young Algerians and the promotion of values such as resilience, discipline, love of the homeland, and a spirit of solidarity and mutual aid.
The SMA played a significant role in shaping the personalities of many young individuals during the national liberation movement, which began on November 1, 1954. Notable figures like Larbi Ben M’hidi, Ahmed Zabana, Didouche Mourad, Badji Mokhtar, Souidani Boudjemaa, Zighoud Youcef, M’hamed Bougara, Hamou Boutlélis, and Debbih Chérif emerged from its ranks.
The SMA serves as a vital institution for preserving the national memory for future generations and actively contributes to national solidarity efforts, including social and environmental campaigns.