The Moroccan Regime’s Historical Fabrication: Turning to Paid Historians to Counter Benjamin Stora’s Facts

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 13th, 2024 — In the ongoing battle over historical narratives, Morocco’s regime has once again sought to manipulate historical facts to serve its own political agenda. This time, the focus is on the controversy surrounding Boualem Sansal’s remarks about Algeria’s western regions, which he claimed once belonged to Morocco. Following his comments, the Moroccan regime enlisted Bernard Logan, a Franco-Moroccan historian with questionable credibility, to counter the historical expertise of Benjamin Stora, who dismantled Sansal’s claims with irrefutable evidence.

Sansal’s remarks, claiming that the regions of Tlemcen and Mascara were once part of Morocco, were promptly refuted by Stora, a historian with a deep understanding of Algeria’s resistance to French colonization. Stora reminded the public of the heroic history of these regions, particularly Tlemcen, which is the birthplace of the father of the Algerian nationalist movement, Messali Hadj, and Mascara, the home of Emir Abdelkader, a symbol of Algerian resistance.

In a desperate attempt to salvage Sansal’s credibility, Morocco’s media and its hired historian Bernard Logan pushed a new narrative, suggesting that these regions were never central to the creation of the Algerian state. Logan, who is closely linked to the Moroccan regime, attempted to argue that regions such as Tlemcen and Mascara were merely prosperous emirates but not the foundation of the modern state of Algeria. This assertion flies in the face of historical fact and is intended to diminish the significance of Algeria’s rich historical legacy and its struggle for independence from French colonial rule.

What Logan conveniently ignores is the fact that Algeria, as a unified state, was an established entity long before French colonization, unlike Morocco, which only became a unified kingdom in the early 20th century, with the imposition of French protectorates. The Moroccan historian’s arguments are not based on historical reality but on a political agenda aimed at bolstering Morocco’s dubious territorial claims, especially over Western Sahara.

This manipulation of history is part of a broader pattern where Morocco has consistently attempted to rewrite history to its advantage, often ignoring the factual narrative that undermines its claims. The presence of French colonialism in Morocco and the role of Marshal Lyautey in creating the modern Moroccan state are conveniently ignored by those promoting the so-called “Moroccan narrative.”

The Moroccan regime’s attempt to distort history, using figures like Logan and Sansal, further exposes the lengths to which it will go to maintain a narrative that supports its territorial ambitions. However, as Stora’s expert analysis has shown, no amount of distortion can change the truth about Algeria’s rightful history and its struggle for independence.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube