Riffian Activists Rally in Brussels, Marking 103 Years of Rif Republic and Renewing Call for Independence -Video
✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | September 15th, 2024 — In a powerful demonstration of unity and resistance, the Rif National Party organized a large-scale march in the heart of Brussels to mark the 103rd anniversary of the establishment of the Rif Republic, a significant yet often overlooked chapter in North African history. The event, which brought together Riffian activists from across Europe, was not only a commemoration but a resounding call for the liberation of Rif from the “brutal and illegitimate” Moroccan occupation. The march emphasized the continuing struggle for independence and the right of the Riffian people to self-determination, as well as the need for international recognition of the crimes committed against them.
Youba al-Ghadioui, the exiled leader of the Rif National Party and a prominent voice for Riffian rights, set the tone for the event with his impassioned speech: “Long live Rif, long live Rif! This year’s commemoration of the Rif Republic takes place under extraordinary diplomatic circumstances,” he declared. Al-Ghadioui highlighted the party’s significant political moves, including establishing diplomatic representation in Algeria’s capital, a historical ally to anti-colonial struggles, and engaging with South African officials to open a diplomatic mission in Pretoria. Furthermore, the Rif National Party has submitted a comprehensive dossier to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, addressing the use of chemical weapons against the Riffian people—a dark legacy of the Spanish-Moroccan war on the region.
“This march aims to shed light on the legitimate demands of the Riffian people, particularly their unwavering aspiration for independence,” al-Ghadioui continued, stressing that the Riffians would not settle for anything less than full sovereignty over their homeland. “We send a strong message to the international conscience and the global community that the people of Rif will never relinquish their right to independence or the legitimacy of their cause.”
Among those leading the rally was Mourad Boulkdjar, a veteran activist in the party, who reiterated the core demand of the Riffian people: the establishment of an independent state. “The Rif is not an integral part of Morocco, but a distinct and sovereign nation with its own history, culture, and identity,” Boulkdjar emphasized. He condemned the ongoing occupation as an affront to the Riffian people’s dignity and expressed his hope that future generations would live in a free and independent Rif, unshackled from foreign domination.
Abdelkader Tcharna, another prominent figure in the movement, expressed the emotional weight of the occasion. “We are here today in Brussels to honor the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Rif Republic, and we hope that one day we can celebrate this event on our own soil, in our beloved Rif,” he said. His voice echoed the sentiments of the diaspora, who long to return to a liberated homeland. “To our brothers and sisters who have joined us here, we say thank you for your solidarity, and to the occupier, we declare: we are here to the end, to reclaim our sacred land. Long live Rif, and death to those who betray it.”
Adding his voice to the collective call for justice, Farouk Arif, a senior member of the party, reminded the gathered crowd of the historical significance of the day. “Today, we commemorate the historical independence of the Rif Republic on September 18, 1921, a moment of immense pride for the Riffian people and all other nations under European colonial rule at the time,” he said. Arif underscored the importance of this historical event, not only for the people of Rif but for all those struggling against imperialism. “The Riffian people, whose forefathers fought valiantly for their freedom, continue to face suppression from the Moroccan occupier. The legacy of this republic, founded in defiance of colonial powers, serves as a beacon for future generations, reminding them of their roots and inspiring them to maintain the struggle for liberation.”
Arif also took the opportunity to denounce the atrocities committed by the Moroccan state, in collaboration with European powers, particularly France and Spain, in their campaign to crush the Rif Republic. “The Moroccan occupation, alongside the colonial forces of France and Spain, was marked by extreme violence and acts of state terrorism,” Arif stated, referencing the use of chemical weapons against the Riffian population, a grim chapter in the war that claimed countless lives. “These toxic, chemical attacks on a people who sought only to live freely in their homeland remain a stain on the conscience of the world. We demand justice for these war crimes and an end to the continued repression of the Riffian people.”
The march in Brussels, symbolically held in the European Union’s capital, also served as a platform to internationalize the Riffian cause. By highlighting the historical and ongoing grievances of the Riffian people, the Rif National Party seeks to galvanize global support for their struggle, positioning their fight for independence within a broader context of decolonization and human rights. Al-Ghadioui, Arif, and their fellow leaders aim to secure international recognition of the Rif Republic’s legacy, drawing attention to the Riffians’ long-standing pursuit of autonomy and justice.
As the crowd chanted, “Long live Rif! Freedom for Rif!” the marchers underscored their determination to see the dream of an independent Rif realized. For them, the 103rd anniversary of the Republic is not just a moment of reflection, but a call to action, a renewal of their commitment to a cause that has spanned generations.
The Riffian struggle, rooted in the historical legacy of resistance, continues to resonate across borders, with the Riffian diaspora playing a key role in keeping the flame of independence alive. As al-Ghadioui and other leaders emphasized, the Riffians are steadfast in their belief that justice and freedom will one day prevail, and that the spirit of the Republic, born in 1921, will once again shine brightly over their land.
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