BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | November 24th, 2024 — In a powerful call for the international recognition of its struggle for independence, the Rif’s National Party (RNP) held a significant meeting in Algiers on Saturday, demanding global backing for the recovery of the Republic of Rif’s independence from Morocco. This gathering, the first of its kind outside Europe, was centered around the theme “The Republic of Rif and the Right to Reclaim Independence,” and was marked by the participation of notable international figures, including representatives from South Africa, Mozambique, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), along with Algerian political parties and parliamentarians.
The RNP’s leaders emphasized their unwavering resolve to continue advocating for the Rifian cause on various African and international platforms. They underscored the legitimate historical and legal claims of the Rifian people, pointing out that their right to independence has long been denied. “The Rifian people have been robbed of their rights,” declared Yuba El Ghadioui, a member of the RNP. He went on to stress that the Republic of Rif was once a fully sovereign entity that existed from 1921 to 1926, led by the revered figure Mohamed Ibn Abdelkrim El Khatabi, marking the first independent republic in North Africa.
El Ghadioui’s statement underscores the enduring historical significance of the Rifian independence movement, which he claims has been systematically erased by both the Moroccan government and international powers. “The Republic of Rif never was part of Morocco, and Morocco never stood with the Rifians who have always defended their land,” he asserted, rejecting any attempts to frame their quest for independence as separatist. “This is not a new demand; it is a rightful claim to the independence that was stripped away from us.”
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to addressing the ongoing oppression faced by the Rifian people, who, according to El Ghadioui, have been continuously subjected to colonial exploitation, first by the French and later by the Moroccan monarchy. He detailed how the Rif’s sovereignty was “snatched away” following the confluence of foreign colonial interests and the internal collaboration of the Moroccan royal family, as seen in the 1912 protectorate agreement between France and the Moroccan monarchy.
El Ghadioui drew attention to the strategic and geopolitical implications of Morocco’s actions, highlighting that the country, as a creation of colonial powers, continues to serve the interests of external colonial forces. He also denounced the repression faced by both the Rifian and Sahrawi peoples, noting the parallels in their struggles against Moroccan hegemony.
The Rifians’ call for independence is framed not as a demand for secession, but as a legitimate reclaiming of rights long denied. “The Rifians do not want separation; they want independence,” El Ghadioui explained. “We are not fighting for division, but for the return of what rightfully belongs to us.”
The meeting also highlighted the strong historical ties between the Rifian and Algerian peoples, with El Ghadioui emphasizing the crucial role Algeria has played as a sanctuary for Rifian activists and refugees. “Algeria has always been a safe haven for the Rifians who were persecuted,” he said, reaffirming the shared bond between the two nations in their struggles for sovereignty and dignity.
Moving forward, the Rif’s National Party intends to escalate their campaign on the international stage, with plans to present their case to the United Nations, particularly within the Fourth Committee of the General Assembly, which handles decolonization issues. “We will knock on every door, including those of international organizations and the African Union, as we are an integral part of this continent,” El Ghadioui stated, expressing confidence that the Rifian cause would soon be firmly on the global agenda.
In closing, El Ghadioui and other speakers expressed deep gratitude to Algeria for its continued support of the Rifian cause. The commitment of African nations, including South Africa and Mozambique, was also acknowledged, as these countries continue to advocate for the rights of colonized and oppressed peoples worldwide.
Farouk Arif, another prominent member of the RNP, praised the efforts of the international community in supporting the Rifian struggle for independence. Representatives from various Algerian political parties, such as the FLN, RND, and the MSP, also voiced their solidarity with the Rifian cause, reinforcing the regional and global importance of this ongoing movement for self-determination.
This significant meeting signals a renewed push by the Rif’s National Party to reclaim their sovereignty and ensure that the historical injustices suffered by the Rifian people are finally acknowledged and rectified.
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