Allal El Fassi And The Call Of Cairo: A Defining Moment In Morocco’s Fight For Sovereignty – OpEd
In the early hours of August 20, 1953, the Moroccan people and the broader Arab world were shaken by a profound and unprecedented act of defiance. Sultan Mohammed V, a symbol of justice, dignity, and unwavering commitment to his people, was forcefully removed from his throne by the very forces that claimed to protect Morocco. In exile, Allal El Fassi, a towering figure in Moroccan history and the leader of the Istiqlal Party, issued a historic appeal that would resonate across generations and serve as a clarion call for independence, dignity, and the unbreakable bond between a people and their rightful King.
This event, known as the Call of Cairo, marked a pivotal moment in Morocco's struggle for freedom. It was not merely an appeal; it was a declaration of the Moroccan spirit—a spirit too great to be subdued by foreign powers, too resilient to be diminished by the heavy hand of colonial oppression. The removal of Sultan Mohammed V from his throne was not just an affront to the Moroccan monarchy; it was an assault on the very essence of Moroccan sovereignty, on Islam, and on the Arab identity that had long defined this proud nation.
El Fassi's message was clear: the recklessness of the French colonial administration had reached its zenith. The demand that Sultan Mohammed V abandon his throne, accompanied by the brutal display of military might, was a stark reminder of the lengths to which colonial powers would go to suppress the aspirations of a people yearning for freedom. Yet, in the face of this audacity, the Sultan refused to yield, embodying the resolve and dignity that had long been the hallmark of Moroccan leadership.
The repercussions of this event were immediate and profound. The French forces, in their heavy-handed response, turned what should have been a day of joy and celebration—the Muslim holiday of Aïd El Kébir—into a day of mourning. Moroccan homes became prisons, with orders to shoot anyone who dared to step outside. The desecration of such a sacred day underscored the colonial regime's utter disregard for Moroccan customs, religion, and humanity.
But it was not just the physical imprisonment of the Moroccan people that was at stake. France's actions represented a broader violation of all principles of justice and law, a trampling of freedom and human dignity. By striking at Sultan Mohammed V, France sought to undermine the very soul of Morocco—a soul that is intertwined with its monarchy, its Islamic faith, and its Arab identity. Yet, in doing so, France inadvertently galvanized the Moroccan people, uniting them in their resolve to resist and reclaim their independence.
As El Fassi, a member of the prestigious Karaouiyine College of Scholars, solemnly declared, Sultan Mohammed V remained the legitimate King of Morocco, and his son, Moulay Al Hassan, the rightful heir. No law or decree emanating from the colonial administration would be recognized. This declaration was more than a rejection of foreign rule; it was a reaffirmation of Morocco's sovereignty, a vow to rebuild the nation in accordance with the will of its people and its rightful King.
The Call of Cairo was not just a message to the Moroccan people; it was a rallying cry to the entire Islamic world and the free nations of the world. Morocco's struggle was not an isolated one; it was part of a broader struggle for justice, dignity, and the preservation of Islamic and Arab values in the face of colonial aggression. El Fassi's appeal to the Islamic world to stand in solidarity with Morocco was a reminder that the fate of one nation was inextricably linked to the fate of many others.
Today, as we reflect on this pivotal moment in Moroccan history, we are reminded of the unyielding spirit that has defined our nation. The struggle for independence was not just a battle against colonial rule; it was a fight for the soul of Morocco, for the preservation of its identity, its values, and its rightful place in the world. The Call of Cairo serves as a timeless reminder that as long as we stand united, with our faith in God and in the righteousness of our cause, victory will always be within our reach.
As we commemorate the legacy of Sultan Mohammed V and the brave leaders like Allal El Fassi who fought for our freedom, we must continue to honor their vision by safeguarding the principles they so fiercely defended. The path to independence was long and arduous, but it was paved with the determination and resilience of a people who refused to be subdued. Today, as we face new challenges, both at home and abroad, we must draw strength from our history and remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, freedom, and the unbreakable bond between our people and our sovereign.
The victory that El Fassi foretold was not just a military triumph; it was a victory of the Moroccan spirit—a spirit that remains as strong today as it was on that fateful day in 1953.