Stand in Solidarity with the Rif Uprising in Morocco: A Heroic Struggle Against an Authoritarian Regime

Statement by the Revolutionary Socialists

After more than seven months of protests in the streets of the Rif region in Morocco, particularly in Al Hoceima, the determination of the popular masses remains strong in the face of a state that has tried—and continues to try—to suppress the movement by any means possible. This is typical of repressive regimes confronting mass movements around the world, with scenarios that are strikingly similar in their details: sometimes through complete indifference, other times through brutal repression, arrests, defamation of activists, or even by deploying thugs to attack protesters.

These seven months have demonstrated the ability of the masses to organize themselves despite the continuous setbacks the movement has faced. The unity of revolutionary activists with the broader population, their insistence on serious discussions about the movement’s demands, and their determination to achieve them have been vital. These demands include eradicating corruption, developing the Rif region, creating job opportunities, ending militarization, breaking the region’s geographic isolation, and prosecuting those responsible for the death of Mohsen Fikri—the fishmonger who was killed after being crushed in a garbage truck, an event that ignited the movement.

The people of the Rif, organized in local committees, are calling for the prosecution of those responsible for Fikri’s death, as well as for the deaths of five other citizens who perished during the February 20, 2011, movement in the Rif. They also demand the region’s demilitarization, an end to the harassment of small farmers, and improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure—all of which are sorely lacking.

The Moroccan masses’ movement, which has spread beyond Al Hoceima to Nador, Imzouren, Tangier, and even the capital, teaches us valuable lessons about the spirit of resistance and solidarity we’ve witnessed among the Moroccan people. It also gives us hope and faith in the masses and their ability to organize spontaneous movements, no matter how long periods of stagnation may last.

The Revolutionary Socialists salute the struggle of the people of the Rif, their grassroots organizing, creativity, and perseverance, as well as the forces supporting this struggle within Morocco. We strongly condemn the Moroccan state’s policy of repression and media misinformation, which is characteristic of the authoritarian regimes that dominate our region.

We call for greater international solidarity to help the movement achieve its social, democratic, and cultural demands. These are the same demands that people across the Arab region are fighting for as they seek liberation from political oppression and capitalist exploitation.
A spark ignited in any part of the Arab world is an inspiration for all the region’s people and a source of strength they can draw from.

Solidarity with the people of the Rif in their fight to achieve their demands.
Solidarity with our comrades imprisoned by