It was formed in 1926 by Algerian nationalist politician Hadj-Ali Abdelkader and called for an uprising against French colonial rule and total independence.

The reorganisation of the 'Glorieuse ENA' in 1933 elected Messali Hadj President, Imache Amar Secretary General and Belkacem Radjef Treasurer.

In 1937, two months after its dissolution, the leaders of ENA, including Messali, founded the Algerian People's Party (PPA).

This was subsequently dissolved in 1946 and was immediately followed by the creation of the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties (MTLD), which later became increasingly militant.

Messali distanced himself from the MTLD mainstream when it became involved in the Algerian War started by the FLN in November 1954.