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Abdallah Ibrahim
Abdallah Ibrahim was a Moroccan nationalist leader and the third Prime Minister of Morocco, known for his left-wing stance. Serving under King Mohammed V from 1958 to 1960, he also held the role of Foreign Minister, where he promoted progressive policies and strengthened Morocco's international relations during the early post-independence years.
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ABDALLAH IBRAHIM
Abdallah Ibrahim was born in Tameslouht, a small village near Marrakech, into a modest but respected family. His father, a Sharif, made his living through the fur trade. Ibrahim received his education at the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a place that would later become notable for nurturing future resistance leaders and prominent figures like Basri, Bensaid, Jebli, and Abdesslam Yassine. During this period, Marrakech was under the control of the powerful Thami El Glaoui, and the region was still grappling with the restrictions of a curfew imposed since the establishment of the French protectorate in 1912.
Ibrahim quickly distinguished himself as a key figure in the nationalist movement. He was a talented organizer with an exceptional ability to maintain secrecy, and he formed a network of patriotic cells across Marrakech. He was particularly active among craftsmen, who posed significant challenges to the colonial authorities. Known for his tireless efforts, he became a trusted problem solver, addressing issues ranging from administration to health and justice.
At just sixteen, Ibrahim was imprisoned for his nationalist activities. By 1936, he had become a member of the national council of the nationalist party and was also actively involved in the labor movement. A year later, during the visit of a French deputy minister, Ibrahim organized a massive demonstration to expose the hardships faced by the Moroccan people under colonial rule. His activities led to his exile to Taroudant in 1937, a move that only strengthened his resolve.
Believing that the working class would play a vital role in Morocco's struggle for independence, Ibrahim helped establish the Moroccan Workers' Union. He was also one of the signatories of the independence manifesto in January 1944 and played a founding role in the Istiqlal Party. As the editor of the party's newspaper, Al-Alam, he became a vocal advocate for Moroccan independence.
Ibrahim continued his education in Paris in 1945, studying at the Sorbonne, where he interacted with influential intellectuals like André Breton, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Louis Aragon. Following Morocco's independence in 1956, he held key government positions, including Minister of Labor and later Minister of Employment and Social Affairs. His political career saw him playing an essential role in shaping Morocco’s post-independence policies, though his strong stance on issues like foreign military bases in the country and his opposition to an absolute monarchy brought him into conflict with some members of the royal court.
In December 1958, he was appointed President of the Council of Government by King Mohammed V, simultaneously holding the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. His tenure was marked by a commitment to social democracy and economic reform, with an emphasis on supporting the poor. However, internal conflicts and political maneuvering eventually led to his dismissal in 1960.
Ibrahim continued his political journey by co-founding the National Union of Popular Forces (UNFP) in 1959, alongside other notable figures like Mehdi Ben Barka and Abderrahim Bouabid. He remained a key player in the party's leadership, though ideological splits within the party eventually led to its renaming as the Socialist Union of Popular Forces in 1975. Afterward, Ibrahim stepped back from active political life and refrained from participating in elections, maintaining a quiet distance from the political scene.
Abdallah Ibrahim passed away on September 11, 2005, at the age of 87. Although he had long retired from political life, his legacy remained significant in the hearts of many Moroccans. His funeral was attended by a wide spectrum of people, including Prince Moulay Rachid, veterans of the resistance, political leaders, and civil society figures, reflecting the lasting impact of his contributions to the nation.
GOVERNING TIME LINE
Abdallah Ibrahim was Prime Minister of Morocco from January 1960 to July 1961. He assumed office after Ahmed Balafrej's resignation and focused on economic reforms. Ibrahim was dismissed by King Mohammed V in July 1961 due to dissatisfaction with his administration and political tensions.