VALENTIN DENYSET
Sebiba: Ancestral Union of Tassili N'Ajjer's Tuaregs

The Sebiba stands as an essential event for the Sahara's inhabitants, the Sahrawis. Annually, on Achoura (the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar), the Touaregs of Tassili n’Ajjer gather near Djanet, southeast Algeria, to celebrate an ancient triumph. In 2023, the Sebiba took place on July 29th.

As described in Exodus and the Quran's depiction of Moses (Moussa), he confronted the Pharaoh's refusal to embrace monotheism, standing for allegiance to a singular god. A series of magical conflicts showcased Moses' superiority, vanquishing the Pharaoh and his army. Legend holds that since that day, denizens of the Tassili N’Ajjer desert, elated by this triumph, honor this victory in Djanet. Another narrative suggests a bloody war between two regional tribes, and Moses' victory led to the cessation of hostilities. Sebiba has thus become a symbol of peace, replacing warfare with festivity.

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