From Petition to Proclamation: How Moroccans Forged Their Independence (January 11th, 1944)
From Petition to Proclamation: Morocco’s Journey to Independence
Today, Morocco commemorates a pivotal moment in its history: the courageous shift from seeking political reforms to demanding full independence. This transformative period, culminating in the presentation of the Independence Manifesto on January 11, 1944, showcases the unwavering spirit of the Moroccan people and their enduring pursuit of self-determination.
This bold move was a carefully orchestrated effort between the Moroccan nationalist movement and Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef (later King Mohammed V), who was under intense pressure and effectively besieged by the French Protectorate. Historical accounts suggest that Abderrahim Bouabid, a key figure in the nationalist movement, played a crucial role in delivering the historic document to the Sultan, reportedly smuggling it in the trunk of a sympathetic guard’s car. This act of defiance underscores the lengths to which Moroccans were willing to go to secure their freedom.
The seeds of this struggle were sown earlier, on December 1, 1943, when the “Kutlat Al Amal Al Watani” (National Action Bloc) presented a petition outlining the demands of the Moroccan people to the French Protectorate authorities. This document, calling for administrative, economic, and social reforms, was delivered to French Foreign Minister Pierre Laval in Paris by Omar Benabdeljalil and Mohammed Hassan El Ouazzani. However, France responded harshly, rejecting the demands and arresting and exiling several Moroccan leaders. This act of repression, rather than qu
