André Mandouze

André Mandouze was a world-renowned scholar of Saint Augustine and early North African Latin patristics who moved to Algeria in 1946 to teach at the University of Algiers. Guided by his deep Catholic faith and the philosophy of Emmanuel Mounier, he declared that colonialism was an intolerable sin against human dignity.

Mandouze founded the progressive journal 'Consciences algériennes', openly advocating dialogue with the FLN and national independence. Imprisoned by colonial authorities in 1956, he published 'La Révolution algérienne par les textes' in 1961. Following independence, he was chosen by the Algerian state as the first Director of Higher Education, rebuilding the University of Algiers.