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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.3 A protracted independence struggle with France ended successfully in 1956. Then, the internationalized city of Tangier and most Spanish possessions were turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved. 4 The Independence of Morocco and the Role of king Mohammad V King Mohammad V was born in Fès, Morocco on August 10, 1909 and he lived up to Febuary 26, 1961. 5 His Original name was Sidi Muhammad Ben Yusuf. He was the sultan of Morocco from1927–57. As a sultan of Morocco he became a focal point of nationalist aspiration and resistance. He secured Moroccan independence from French colonial rule after a protracted liberation struggle. He then asserted his authority and became king and ruled Morocco as a monarch from 1957 to 1961.6 King Muhammad V was the third son of Sultan Moulay Yusuf. In 1927 the French authorities chose him to succeed his father as a Sultan.7 The French took this measure hoping that the future King would be more compliant to the wish of the French colonial rulers than his two older brothers. In 1934 the first indication of Muhammad's nationalist fervor clearly surfaced. He then urged the French to abandon the Berber Dahir legislation of 1930. This legislation had established different legal systems for the two Moroccan ethnic groups, Berbers and Arabs. It was an unpopular legislation and policy that was not liked by both ethnic groups.8 The Berber Dahir legislation was promulgated with the intention of helping the administration of the protectorate. Unfortunately, it had the an unintended effect of polarizing the Berbers and Arabs. Besides, by so doing it had divided the country into ethnic camps.9 This, intern, accelerated the nationalist drive for the liberation of Morocco. The Moroccan people also wanted to make Muhammad V, who was then a Sultan, to be a symbol of nationalism. As a result, the Moroccan nationalists organized the Fête du Trône, an annual Coronation Day festival to commemorate the anniversary of Muhammad's assumption of power to the throne.10 On the annual occasions of the Fête du Trône, King Mohammad V made speeches that stimulated and inspired the drive of the Moroccan nationalists for the independence of the country. Gradually, the French also gave it their endorsement and it became the official holiday of the country.11 During the next decade King Muhammad V continued to give it his tactical support, although he, by enlarge, remained above nationalist agitation. During World War II, King Muhammad V supported the Allied forces. In 1943, he met the then President of the United States of America, Franklin D. Roosevelt. He is then said to have encouraged him to seek independence. The determination of King Muhammad V for liberation then intensified. This was the time when the French authorities arrested a number of nationalists. The arrest, inter alia, took place in January 1944.12 In 1947, King Mohammad V who was then the Sultan of Morocco, visited Tangier and made a speech stressing Moroccan links with the Arab world. But, he did not make any mention of France. Further, he found an effective instrument of resistance by refusing to sign the decrees of the Resident French General. This prevented the decrees from having the legal force which the French authorities wanted them to have. In 1951, the French instigated a tribal rebellion against King Mohammad V. They then surrounded his palace with troops on the pretext of wanting to protect him. He then had to denounce the nationalist movement under French duress and pressure.13 In August of 1953, the French deported the Sultan to Corsica and later to Madagascar. During his exile, the nationalist resistance for liberation intensified with the multiplication of several Acts of terrorism. In his absence, the sultan still remained the symbol of the independence drive in Morocco.14 In fact, despite his absence his popularity and prestige soared. The French government, which was already faced with rebellion in Algeria, then allowed him to return from exile. Soon after, in November 1955, he returned to his country from exile. In March 1956, he negotiated a treaty securing full independence for Morocco. After independence, King Muhammad V asserted his personal authority and ruled with moderation. He assumed the title of king in 1957. His son Muhammad Hassan (who later reigned as Hassan II) was not happy with the slow pace of government. As a result, in May 1960 King Muhammad V made an important concession by appointing his son as his Deputy Prime Minister. By so doing, he essentially relinquished much of his power.15 Post King Mohammad V Trends Morocco owes its visible role in the UN and African affairs to its long-time ruler, King Hassan II, who was succeeded by his son, King Mohammed VI. In 1992, under the leadership of King Hassan II, the previous constitution was amended, and the amended constitution was adopted by the nation.16 This way the king established his sovereignty legally. The King’s authority includes appointing and dismissing the prime minister and other cabinet ministers, and convening and dismissing the Parliament. In the 1990s political reforms gradually resulted in the establishment of a bicameral legislature. This happened in 1997. Soon after, Parliamentary elections were held for the second time in September 2002. Likewise, municipal elections were held in September 2003.17 Ethio-Moroccan Relations In recent years, Morocco has revamped its relations with many of its neighbors, notably Algeria. Great significance has been attached to the improved relations between the two countries, because Algeria was a long time supporter of the Polisario Movement.18 Ethio-Moroccan relations were cordial until 1974. Morocco opened its embassy in Addis Ababa in 1963. This was followed by the opening of an Ethiopian Embassy in the Moroccan capital, Rabat, in 1966. Ethiopia and Morocco see eye to eye on many issues in various international fora. 19 This is true of different international issues and matters raised in the context of the UN and other organizations. Ethiopia values its relationship with Morocco. Both countries have maintained good relations with the West and most countries of the Arab World. In the case of Ethiopia, the only exception was during the period of the military government (1974 – 91). 20 During the rule of the Derg, Ethiopia's relation with most moderate Arab-states including Morocco and the West was ruptured. However, significant strides have been made by way of restoring and strengthening relations with most of the Arab North African States, notably Morocco. 21 The previous Moroccan Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Sidi Mohammed Rahhali and the current Moroccan Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Abdeljbbar Brahime have both exerted considerable efforts to improve the bilateral relation of the two countries. It seems his enthusiasm and efforts are paying off. In the first week of June 2002, Ethiopian Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Seyoum Mesfin, paid an official visit to Morocco. During the visit the Foreign Minister met his Moroccan counterpart, H.E. Mr. Mohammed Benaysa, and held discussions on bilateral issues. The two Foreign Ministers also signed an agreement to establish a Joint Ministerial Commission to carry out consultations between the two ministries.22 In addition, the Ethiopian Foreign Minister presented a message sent by H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to the King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI. The message was handed to the Moroccan Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. Abdulrahman Al Yessuf. 23 Further, the Foreign Minister held discussions with various ministers and the Speaker of the country’s Parliament. References
6-15. cited in ibid 16-23. K. Abraham, Ethiopia and the Arab World, 2 |