Istiqlāl
Quick Summary
The Istiqlāl (Independence) party was founded in Morocco in 1943 by Ahmad Balafrej. It emerged from the National Action Bloc, Morocco's first political party, established in 1934 to oppose French domination and advocate for Moroccan equality. The Istiqlāl party became a leading force in Morocco's struggle for independence. In 1959, the party split, with a main faction continuing under Muḥammad ʿAllāl al-Fāsī and a smaller group forming the National Union of Popular Forces. The original Istiqlāl represented more traditional elements, while the UNFP favored socialism.12
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MoroccoThe French Zone…took the new title of Ḥizb al-Istiqlāl (Independence Party). In January 1944 the party submitted to the sultan and the Allied (including the French) authorities a memorandum asking for independence under a constitutional regime. The nationalist leaders, including Aḥmad Balafrej, secretary general of the Istiqlāl, were unjustly accused and arrested…
Read More…took the new title of Ḥizb al-Istiqlāl (Independence Party). In January 1944 the party submitted to the sultan and the Allied (including the French) authorities a memorandum asking for independence under a constitutional regime. The nationalist leaders, including Aḥmad Balafrej, secretary general of the Istiqlāl, were unjustly accused and arrested…
Read More- MoroccoIndependent Morocco
…occurred in 1959 when the Istiqlāl split into two sections. The main portion remained under the leadership of Muḥammad ʿAllāl al-Fāsī, while a smaller section, headed by Mehdi Ben Barka, ʿAbd Allāh Ibrāhīm, ʿAbd al-Raḥīm Bouabid, and others, formed the National Union of Popular Forces (Union Nationale des Forces Populaires,…
Read More…occurred in 1959 when the Istiqlāl split into two sections. The main portion remained under the leadership of Muḥammad ʿAllāl al-Fāsī, while a smaller section, headed by Mehdi Ben Barka, ʿAbd Allāh Ibrāhīm, ʿAbd al-Raḥīm Bouabid, and others, formed the National Union of Popular Forces (Union Nationale des Forces Populaires,…
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