Boumédienne, Houari, << BOO meh dee yehn, OO ahr ee >> (1927?-1978), was head of Algeria’s government from 1965 until his death in 1978. He promoted industrial development in Algeria. He also became a leading spokesman for Arab groups that opposed Egypt’s efforts to settle Arab disputes with Israel.
Very little is known about Boumédienne’s early life. He was born Muhammad Boukharouba, probably on August 16 or 23, in either 1925, 1927, or 1932. His birthplace may have been Guelma, in eastern Algeria. In 1955, he became a soldier in the Algerian liberation army, which was fighting for Algeria’s independence from France. Boumédienne was commander in chief of the army by the time Algeria gained independence from France in 1962. He used his powerful position to help Ahmed Ben Bella become president of Algeria in 1963. Boumédienne served as first vice-president and chief of the armed forces under Ben Bella. In 1965, Boumédienne led a revolt that overthrew Ben Bella. He then took control of the government himself. Boumédienne died on Dec. 27, 1978.
