The Contribution of the Late King Mohammad V to Moroccan Liberation Struggle and Morocco

The Contribution of the Late King Mohammad V to Moroccan Liberation Struggle and Morocco’s Relation with Ethiopia.

By Professor Kinfe Abraham

Background

Morocco is located in North-West Africa. It is referred to in the Arab World as "Ziret al Maghreb" which means "Island of the West". It shares boundaries with Algeria and is close to the Mediterranean Sea. Its land surface covers an area of 458,730 sq. kms, excluding Western Sahara. ¹

Morocco obtained its independence in 1956. It is a monarchy currently ruled by King Mohammed VI. The Moroccan Government is a constitutional monarchy. ²

Pre-Independence Morocco

In 788, about a century after the Arab conquest of North Africa, successive Moorish dynasties began to rule Morocco. In the 16th century, the Sa'adi monarchy, particularly under Ahmad AL-MANSUR (1578-1603), repelled foreign invaders and inaugurated a golden age. In 1860, Spain occupied Northern Morocco and ushered in a half century of trade rivalry among European powers that saw Morocco's sovereignty steadily eroded; in 1912, the French imposed a protectorate over the country.