The Army of Liberation: Spearheading Morocco's Fight for Independence

The Army of Liberation, known in Moroccan Arabic as جيش التحرير (romanized: Jish Etteḥrir) and in Berber languages as Aserdas Uslelli, emerged as a pivotal organization composed of various, often loosely united, Moroccan militias. Their overarching objective was to secure the complete independence of Morocco from the long-standing French-Spanish colonial coalition that had exerted control over different parts of the country since the Treaty of Fes in 1912, establishing the French Protectorate of Morocco and the Spanish Protectorate of Morocco.

This formidable force was formally constituted sometime in 1955, coalescing from the disparate elements of rural Moroccan armed resistance that had spontaneously erupted across the nation. This surge in nationalist fervor and armed struggle was largely fueled by two significant catalysts: the assassination of Tunisian trade unionist Farhat Hached in December 1952, a shocking event that ignited widespread anti-colonial outrage across the Maghreb, and the politically charged exile of Sultan Mohammed bin Yusef (later King Mohammed V) in August 1953. These events transformed localized, uncoordinated acts of defiance into a more organized and unified front under the banner of the Army of Liberation, channeling popular discontent into a structured armed movement.

A towering figure in the instigation and strategic guidance of the Army of Liberation was Abdelkrim El Khattabi. Despite living in exile, primarily in Cairo, the legendary leader of the Rif Republic (1921-1926) and symbol of indigenous resistance against European colonial powers, played a crucial moral and strategic role. He provided direction and inspiration through his network, influencing key field commanders such as Abbas Messaadi, a prominent leader known for his early armed actions in the Atlas Mountains, and Sellam Amezian, another influential figure in the northern regions. Their leadership on the ground translated Abdelkrim's vision into effective military operations.

The Ifni War: Extending the Struggle for Decolonization

The Ifni War, a lesser-known but significant conflict sometimes referred to as "la Guerra Olvidada" (the Forgotten War) in Spain, represented a new phase in Morocco's struggle for territorial integrity. This series of armed incursions by Moroccan insurgents into Spanish West Africa commenced in October 1957. The conflict intensified dramatically, culminating in the abortive siege of Sidi Ifni, a Spanish coastal enclave, from November 1957 to June 1958. This prolonged engagement highlighted the determined efforts of Moroccan forces to reclaim all territories historically part of Morocco.

This war can be understood as an integral component of the broader decolonization movement that swept across Africa throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Following Morocco's achievement of independence from French rule on March 2, 1956, and from most of the Spanish Protectorate on April 7, 1956, elements of the Moroccan Army of Liberation found themselves no longer primarily engaged in direct conflicts with French forces. This strategic shift allowed them to commit a significant portion of their resources and manpower towards compelling Spain to relinquish its remaining colonial holdings, including Ifni, Saguia el-Hamra, and Río de Oro (which comprised Spanish Sahara). The Ifni War thus became a testament to the Army of Liberation's unwavering commitment to complete the decolonization process and unify all Moroccan territories.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Moroccan Army of Liberation and the Ifni War

What was the primary objective of the Army of Liberation?

The Army of Liberation's main goal was to achieve full independence for Morocco from both French and Spanish colonial rule.

What key events led to the formation of the Army of Liberation in 1955?

Its formation was primarily triggered by the assassination of Farhat Hached in 1952, which fueled anti-colonial sentiment, and the exile of Sultan Mohammed V in 1953, which galvanized armed resistance across rural Morocco.

How did Abdelkrim El Khattabi contribute to the Army of Liberation?

From his exile, Abdelkrim El Khattabi provided crucial moral leadership and strategic guidance, inspiring and advising key field commanders of the Army of Liberation such as Abbas Messaadi and Sellam Amezian.

What was the Ifni War, also known as "la Guerra Olvidada"?

The Ifni War was a conflict from October 1957 to April 1958 (with the siege of Sidi Ifni lasting until June 1958), where Moroccan insurgents, primarily from the Army of Liberation, launched armed incursions into Spanish West Africa to reclaim Spanish-held territories.

Why did the Army of Liberation focus on Spanish territories after Morocco gained independence from France?

After securing independence from France in March 1956, the Army of Liberation redirected its efforts and resources towards liberating the remaining Moroccan territories still under Spanish colonial control, notably Ifni and Spanish Sahara, as part of the broader decolonization agenda.