2024-04-28 03:20:10
Speaking on this occasion, the High Commissioner for former resistance fighters and former members of the Liberation Army, Mustapha El Ktiri, indicated that January 11, 1944 had constituted a crucial date in the national struggle for the recovery of freedom , with the presentation of the independence manifesto to the colonial authorities and foreign representations in Morocco, noting that the preparation of this document was done in the greatest secrecy.
The colonial forces tried everything to make Sultan Mohammed V give in and to persuade the national liberation movement that the moment was not opportune to present this document, but all their attempts failed, he recalled.
Consequently, the colonial authorities carried out a vast campaign of repression against nationalists, in particular the signatories of the independence manifesto, which provoked a strong popular revolt which broke out on January 29, 1944 in Rabat. and Salé.
The colonial authorities thus took a certain number of measures in anticipation of these demonstrations, notably in the medina of Rabat where the colonial army was deployed, while restrictions were imposed on traders, notables and peasants, in a attempt to intimidate citizens into denouncing the independence manifesto, continued the High Commissioner.
The day of January 31, 1944 was marked by violent clashes which cost the lives of numerous martyrs, while hundreds of demonstrators were arrested, noted Mr. El Ktiri, adding that the occupying forces carried out closing mosques and banning collective funerals of martyrs, while declaring a state of emergency.
The High Commissioner stressed that the history of the national struggle is full of heroic acts which constitute a source of inspiration and patriotic pride for future generations.
As part of this day, a conference was organized under the theme “The events of January 31, 1944, an epic of sacrifices and consolidation of patriotic values”, with the participation of researchers and academics.
This meeting was also an opportunity to pay tribute and provide financial aid to members of the Resistance family and the Liberation Army.
2024-04-28 03:20:10