Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi
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أحمد طالب الإبراهيمي
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| Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria | |
| In office 1982–1988 |
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| President | Chadli Bendjedid |
| Prime Minister | Mohamed Ben Ahmed Abdelghani Abdelhamid Brahimi |
| Preceded by | Mohammed Seddik Benyahia |
| Succeeded by | Boualem Bessaïh |
| Minister Counselor of the President of Algeria | |
| In office 1977–1982 |
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| Minister of Information and Culture of Algeria | |
| In office 1970–1977 |
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| Minister of National Education of Algeria | |
| In office 1965–1970 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 January 1932 Setif, French Algeria |
| Died | 5 October 2025 (aged 93) |
| Political party | National Liberation Front (FLN) |
| Spouse | Souad Taleb Ibrahimi |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Alma mater | Académie Nationale de Médecine |
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi (Arabic: أحمد طالب الإبراهيمي; born 5 January 1932 – died 5 October 2025) was an important Algerian politician and thinker. He dedicated his life to serving his country.
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi was the son of Bachir Ibrahimi, a respected Islamic scholar and teacher. Ahmed himself held many important government jobs in Algeria from the 1960s to the late 1980s. He strongly believed in Algeria's independence and its Arab culture. The French authorities arrested him because he was active in the FLN Party, which fought for Algeria's freedom.
In 1999, he ran for president. However, he and other candidates pulled out of the race just before voting. They claimed there were problems with how the elections were being run. In 2004, he tried to run again, but his candidacy was not allowed. This was due to concerns about his connections to a political group that was not permitted at the time. He supported a balanced approach to politics and a free-market economy.
Contents
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi: A Life of Service
Early Life and Education
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi was born on 5 January 1932, in Setif, a city in eastern Algeria. His family did not have much money, but they were rich in knowledge and strong beliefs. His father, Sheikh Bachir Ibrahimi, was a famous scholar. He fought against French rule in Algeria using his words and writings, not weapons.
Sheikh Bachir was a leader in the "Association of the Oulemaa." This group aimed to build schools and teach people about their Arabic heritage and a moderate form of Islam. Their goal was to help Algeria become free from French control. Because of his father's activities, the French rulers often moved him or kept him under house arrest. This meant Ahmed's family had to move around a lot.
As a child, Ahmed learned a great deal from his father. This knowledge helped him throughout his life. In the late 1940s, he finished high school and began studying medicine. In 1954, he moved to Paris, France, to continue his medical studies. He later specialized in Hematology, which is the study of blood. He worked as an intern in several hospitals in Paris.
Fighting for Algerian Freedom
While Ahmed was finishing his medical training, he also worked hard for Algerian independence. In 1952, he helped start a newspaper called "Le Jeune Musulman" (The Young Muslim). This paper aimed to help young Algerians rediscover their identity after many years of French rule. He became the first president of l'UGEMA, a union for Algerian Muslim students. Later, he joined the "Fédération de France," which was the FLN's group in France.
Because of his work for independence, French authorities arrested him in February 1957. He was imprisoned in Paris for almost five years. During his time in prison, he became close friends with other inmates. Many of these people later became important leaders in a free Algeria. He was released in September 1961. After his release, he spent a few months in places like Switzerland, Tunisia, and Morocco to recover from his long imprisonment.
A Doctor's Dedication
After Algeria gained independence in July 1962, Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi returned to his medical career. He worked at the main hospital in Algiers. He helped improve the hospital, taught new Algerian doctors, and learned from foreign professors who stayed in Algeria.
For three years, he received many offers to become an ambassador or take other high-level government jobs. But he politely turned them down. He wanted to spend time with his family, whom he had missed during the war and his time in prison. Even Ahmed Ben Bella, who was the first president of Algeria, asked Ahmed to work with him. Ahmed explained that he preferred to continue practicing medicine rather than enter politics. He also had to support his parents and his sick sister with his modest doctor's salary.
It might seem strange that a respected scholar like Sheikh Bachir Ibrahimi, who fought for a free Algeria, struggled to find a home for his family. This was because President Benbella did not agree with Sheikh Bachir and his son Ahmed's ideas. They disagreed with the president's policies, especially his very strict government control over the economy.
Serving in Government
In 1965, President Houari Boumediene offered Ahmed the job of Minister of Education. Ahmed accepted and worked to improve Algeria's schools and education system. In 1970, President Boumediene changed his government team. He appointed Ahmed as Minister of Information and Culture, a role he held until April 1977.
After that, the President wanted Ahmed even closer to him. He created a new position called "Minister Advisor to the President" for Ahmed. Over the years, Ahmed clearly earned the President's trust and respect. He served in various ministerial roles until 1988.
Later Political Career
After his time as a minister, Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi remained an important voice in Algerian politics. As mentioned earlier, he ran for president in 1999 and again in 2004, showing his continued dedication to his country's future. He always advocated for a balanced and fair approach to governing.
His Legacy
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi is remembered as a key figure in Algeria's history. He was a doctor, a freedom fighter, and a government leader. He worked tirelessly for Algeria's independence, its culture, and its education. His life showed a strong commitment to his family and his nation.
Death
Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi passed away on 5 October 2025, at the age of 93.
