Mohamed Ouali

In Algeria, the Sebeïba (Tifinagh: ⵙⴱⵉⴱⴰ; Arabic: السبيبة) is a competitive celebration observed by two communities in Djanet. It combines dance, song, and the wearing of traditional costumes. In 2014, UNESCO inscribed it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the title "Sebeïba ritual and ceremonies in the oasis of Djanet, Algeria." The Sebeïba rituals and ceremonies offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Tuareg people, who inhabit the Sahara region and represent a tiny fraction of Algeria's population. At the heart of this ten-day festival lies a fierce music and dance competition between two rival villages, Azellouaz and El Mihan. There can be only one Sebeïba winner—at least until the following year. This unique annual event attracts numerous tourists from around the world.

This is the story of Algerian activist Louisa Ighilahriz—known as Louisette (Arabic: لويزة إغيل أحريز; Kabyle: Lwizet Iɣil-aḥriz)—who was born on August 22, 1936, and was an Algerian nationalist activist during the Algerian War. Held from late September to December 1957 at the headquarters of General Massu's 10th Parachute Division, Louisette has testified that she was tortured there. Her account, published in Le Monde diary on June 20, 2000, helped reignite the debate regarding torture during the Algerian War.