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Why do some Moroccans, encouraged by the Makhzen regime, insult the Algerian martyrs?

For several years now, we have witnessed a troubling phenomenon on social media: the relentless attack by some Moroccans on everything Algerian. This assault does not stop at the living or contemporary history but extends to the dead, particularly the martyrs of the Algerian War of Independence. This behavior raises a fundamental question: why do Moroccans target our martyrs, even though respect for the dead is a universal principle in all cultures and religions, including Islam, which is the majority religion in Morocco?

Historical and Sociopolitical Context

The Algerian War of Independence and the Moroccan Reaction

The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) was a fierce and bloody armed struggle against French colonialism, marked by immense sacrifices by Algerians. In contrast, Morocco gained its independence in 1956 primarily through peaceful means and political negotiations. This disparity created a different perception of the struggle for independence in the two countries.

For the Moroccan regime of the time, led by King Hassan II, the Algerian revolution represented a potential threat of revolutionary contagion. The prestigious international standing of newly independent Algeria in the 1960s and 1970s did not sit well with the Moroccan regime, which saw it as a growing and potentially destabilizing influence. Consequently, considerable efforts were made to demonize the Algerian revolution and its heroes among the Moroccan people.

Education and Propaganda

Education in Morocco has often emphasized a peaceful vision of independence, in contrast to the armed struggle in Algeria. This difference contributed to a lack of understanding of the value of the sacrifice made by Algerian martyrs among Moroccans. Furthermore, propaganda aimed at downplaying Algeria's achievements has fueled hostility that manifests particularly on social media.

Historical Complex and Inferiority Feelings

The contrast between the armed struggle of the Algerians and the peaceful path taken by the Moroccans to achieve their independence created a complex within Moroccan society. The bravery and sacrifices made by the Algerians forged an image of resistance and courage that often overshadowed Morocco's peaceful achievements. This historical complex, fed by decades of propaganda, led to a sense of jealousy and a desire to tarnish the sacred symbols of the Algerian struggle, particularly the martyrs.

Analysis of Motivations

Misunderstanding and Historical Jealousy

One of the main reasons for this attack is misunderstanding. Many Moroccans, due to their education and national propaganda, do not fully grasp the significance and importance of the martyrs in Algerian history and culture. They are unaware of the depth of the sacrifice made by these heroes and the sacred place they hold in the Algerian collective memory.

It is not surprising that people who do not understand the symbolic significance of Algerian martyrs insult the heroes of the revolution, as they have never been directly struck by the cruelty of colonialism. Every Algerian family has lost a member for the independence of Algeria, which creates a visceral attachment to the martyrs. These martyrs live within us, as they are the builders of our independence and dignity after more than 132 years of suffering and humiliation. Moroccans, having not undergone this ordeal, cannot grasp the magnitude of this attachment. Instead of feeling resentment towards them, Algerians should pity them, for insulting our martyrs is a vile crime before God and men.

Moreover, there is a sense of historical jealousy. Algeria, with its revolutionary history, has acquired an aura of resistance and bravery that often eclipsed Morocco’s peaceful achievements on the international stage. This jealousy translates into an attempt to denigrate what is most sacred to Algerians: their martyrs.

The Chimera of the Green March

It is illusory to believe that freedom can be obtained through peaceful marches, as in reality, freedom is won, not given as a gift. In Morocco, many Moroccans are convinced that Western Sahara (a non-autonomous territory colonized by Morocco in 1975) was "liberated" by the Green March, a staged event meant to give the appearance of popular legitimacy to a power grab orchestrated under the aegis of then U.S. Secretary of State Kissinger, and formalized by the Madrid Accords between Spain, Mauritania, and Morocco. This Moroccan perception of the national liberation process stands in stark contrast to the Algerian experience, where the people won their independence at the cost of a bloody seven-and-a-half-year war against the colonizer. This contrast fuels deep and enduring divisions between the two peoples.

Provocation Strategy

Insulting Algerian martyrs is also a deliberate provocation strategy. Aware of the importance of these historical figures to Algerians, some individuals seek to provoke a strong emotional reaction by attacking this sacred symbol. It is a way to hit a sensitive point and maximize the impact of their attacks.

Contemporary Political Influences

Current political tensions between Algeria and Morocco, exacerbated by disputes over territorial and diplomatic issues, also fuel this hostility online. Relations between the two countries' governments are often tense, which is reflected in the attitudes of citizens, especially on social media where exchanges can become extremely violent.

Conclusion

The insistence by some Moroccans on attacking Algerian martyrs stems from a combination of ignorance, historical jealousy, and provocation strategies, fueled by decades of propaganda and rivalry between the two nations. To overcome these tensions, it is crucial to promote mutual understanding and respect, particularly for sacred historical symbols. Respecting the sacrifices and heroes of liberation struggles is essential for building a future of peace and cooperation between Algeria and Morocco.


Belgacem Merbah


References

  1. Aissaoui, R. (2017). "Algerian Nationalist Movements in Colonial France." Springer.
  2. Pennell, C. R. (2000). "Morocco since 1830: A History." New York University Press.
  3. Stora, B. (2001). "Algeria, 1830-2000: A Short History." Cornell University Press.
  4. Ruedy, J. (2005). "Modern Algeria: The Origins and Development of a Nation." Indiana University Press.
  5. Rivet, D. (2012). "Le Maghreb à l'épreuve de la colonisation." Editions Hachette.
  6. Aït-Aoudia, M. (2006). "Les Algériens en guerre: Des idées reçues aux controverses." Editions Milan.
  7. Maddy-Weitzman, B. (2011). "The Berber Identity Movement and the Challenge to North African States." University of Texas Press.
  8. Adam, A. (1968). "Histoire de l'Algérie contemporaine." Presses Universitaires de France.
  9. Willis, M. (2014). "Politics and Power in the Maghreb: Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco from Independence to the Arab Spring." Hurst & Company.
  10. Zartman, I. W. (1964). "Government and Politics in North Africa." Praeger.
  11. Porter, B. (2013). "The Algerian War: The Algerian War and the Remaking of France." Harvard University Press.
  12. Ciment, J. (1997). "The Maghreb Since 1800: A Short History." Facts on File.
  13. Le Sueur, J. D. (2001). "Uncivil War: Intellectuals and Identity Politics During the Decolonization of Algeria." University of Pennsylvania Press.
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