MBAREK BEKKAI

Mbarek Bekkaï was born on April 18, 1907, in Berkane, a town in northeastern Morocco. He was part of the Berber Béni-Snassen tribe, which deeply rooted him in the region’s cultural heritage. His early education took him to the Military School of Dar El Beida, now known as the military academy of Meknes, where he excelled and graduated as a lieutenant, later joining the French army.

During World War II, Bekkaï answered the call of the Sultan and traveled to France to serve. He demonstrated courage in the battlefield but suffered a severe leg injury that led to his capture and subsequent transfer to Germany as a prisoner of war. Due to the severity of his injuries, his leg had to be amputated. Despite this setback, Bekkaï continued his service in Morocco. In 1942, he became the Caïd of Bni Drar and, a year later, was appointed as a captain. By 1944, he had risen to the position of Pasha of Sefrou, where he served with distinction.

Bekkaï’s strong sense of loyalty and integrity became evident during a pivotal moment in Moroccan history. When Sultan Mohammed V was deposed in 1953, Bekkaï made a bold decision to resign from his role as Pasha of Sefrou, citing his disapproval of what he considered an illegal action. His stance against the deposition highlighted his commitment to the legitimacy of the Sultan’s rule and his dedication to the principles he believed in.

After the Sultan's return, Mbarek Bekkaï played a crucial role in Morocco's transition to independence. He had the honor of co-signing the Act of Independence of Morocco on March 2, 1956, alongside Christian Pineau from France, and later with Martin Artajo from Spain on April 7, solidifying the country's path to sovereignty.

Bekkaï’s political journey continued as he served as Prime Minister, but his tenure came to an end during the political crisis in May 1958, stemming from disagreements over the recognition of the People's Movement Party. After stepping down, he continued to be a respected figure in Moroccan political life.

In his later years, Mbarek Bekkaï faced recurrent health issues. He passed away on April 12, 1961, in Rabat, just 45 days after the death of King Mohammed V.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mbarek_Bekkay