Why did France and Spain form an alliance against Abd el-Krim?

France and Spain formed an alliance against Abd el-Krim primarily because his successful military campaign threatened their respective colonial interests in Morocco.12

Initially, Abd el-Krim’s forces focused on resisting Spanish control in the Rif region, where they achieved significant victories, such as the rout of Spanish troops at Annoual in 1921. However, the conflict escalated in April 1925 when Abd el-Krim moved his forces across the border into the French protectorate to secure supply lines and food sources.12

His fighters successfully overran numerous French positions, inflicting heavy casualties and endangering major urban centers like Fès and Taza. This expansion alarmed the French, who feared a broader uprising. Consequently, the French high command abandoned a policy of cautious, independent military action and entered into a formal military pact with Spain in June 1925. This alliance allowed for a coordinated, overwhelming offensive that ultimately defeated the Republic of the Rif by 1926.12