Resistance of Lalla Fatma N’Soumer
Lalla Fatma N’Soumer was aware of the developments in the area; she had known about the French movements in Tizi Ouzou between 1845-1846, and Dellys in 1847.When the French army launched a campaign against the region she showed great courage. She saved Bou Beghla from the Soumer village after his first confrontation with French general “Messiet” in Tazerout, but they retreated after this violect battle due to the inequality of forces in number and equipment, the general had to go through two hard area:
Tchikiret, and Teree Bouiran. Bou Beghla participated in this battle and got wounded Laalla Fatma saved him and stood by his side; they stayed in Beni Yenni to inciting for the Jihad. She helped him in most of his battles, like the battle of Oued Sebaou on 7 April 1854 against the French forces led by general Wolf; where Fatma N’Soumer showed bravery and scored other victories in the regions of ( Iylelty, Tehlijet, Nath, Bourdja, Touritet Moussa, Tizi Bouaiber). She proved that the leadership of the Algerian Resistances does not include only men, women also participate with all the power they had. She continued the resistance even after the death of Chérif Bou Baghla, and fought several battles against the French notably: Iyshredan battle on 24 June 1857 in Larbaa Nath Irathen,the inequality in power resulted in the defeat of the rebels, they retreated and barricaded themselves in the mountains of Djurdjura. Soon after they formed groups of mujahideen to follow the French army cutting off their transport and supplies routes.
Due to the constant battles of the Great mujahida, her value increased, and the French forces were frightened of her ever-growing danger. They prepared an army for her led by Marshall Randon headed towards the villages of Ait Tsouregh and Iyshredan, where Fatma N’Soumer was located, with 7000 Men And some women. The confrontation started on 11 July 1847, but despite the strong resistance shown by the rebels, the French had the advantage seeing the inequality of forces. The battle ended with the death of 44 French soldiers including two officers, and 327 wounded 22 of them were officers. After some negotiations, the fight stopped with four conditions:
- Redeployment of French troops outside villages and population centers.
- Non-payment of taxes.
- Not to pursue and punish resistance leaders.
- Protection of persons and property.
The negotiations were led by Marshall Randon from the French side, and Se Taher from the Algerian side. Marshall Randon pretended to accept the conditions, but he ordered the arrest of the Algerian delegation as soon as they left the camp. He did not stop there, and sent Colonel Faucheux to The Tikhlijet Nath Atsou village to capture Lalla Fatma N’Soumer, so he arrested her and some women. According to the resources, the French Army confiscated several properties during this battle; they stole women’s jewelry, 50 rifles, and 150 scientific and religious books.
Lalla Fatma was distanced, to the Beni Sulaiman marabout near Tablat, under the surveillance of Bacha Aga Taher Ben Mahieddine, staying there for six years until she passed away in September 1863, at the age of 33.
