The massacre of July 5, 1962, or the Oran massacre, took place in Oran, a city in Algeria, on July 5, 1962, three and a half months after the ceasefire of the Algerian War, two days after the official recognition of independence, and a few hours before its proclamation.
It was carried out by armed Algerian elements (ALN, ATO1, and civilians) against European civilians (several hundred dead and missing) and Muslims (unknown toll). The French armed forces waited several hours before intervening.
As every year, a ceremony in memory of the “Oran massacre” took place in front of the memorial stele for these dead in the Alsace-Lorraine garden.
About fifty people, including association leaders and expatriates, were present for the laying of wreaths in the presence of local community representatives.
A speech to recount the events and context of the period was given by Gérald Léger, historian at the Center for Archives and Documentation of Returnees.
A strong emotion was visible among those present, some of whom were witnesses to this tragic event.
