Osama Radwan, President of the Riffian National Party, oversaw the opening of the party's first European branch in Girona, Spain, this week, with Mr. Mohamed Douhri appointed as its head. Radwan stated the goal is to "bring the party closer to the Riffian community in Spain and address their concerns." He added that Spain is geographically close to the Rif region and holds historical ties. Radwan asserted that "Madrid has a historical responsibility towards the Rif issue and the right of the Riffian people to self-determination and independence," which he claims they have sought since a "shameful annexation" in 1956. From an international law perspective, Radwan maintained, "this annexation is 'illegal', and Morocco has 'no sovereignty over the Rif'."
Engaging the Diaspora
The Riffian National Party also aims to propagate republican thought among the Riffian community through its new European branch. Party officials stated that Spain's proximity to the Rif region, coupled with shared historical ties and common interests, made it a deliberate choice for establishing their first European office. The party views Spain as holding a "historical responsibility" towards both the Rif region and its Riffian population. The choice of Spain for the party's first European branch was not arbitrary, but a strategic decision based on these factors. The establishment of the Girona office represents a practical step for the Riffian National Party. This move is intended to transition the Rif issue from mere discussion to concrete political action within Europe, with a particular focus on Spain. The party believes that by establishing a physical presence, they can more effectively engage with the Riffian diaspora and advocate for their rights.
Historical Claims and Sovereignty
Osama Radwan, President of the Riffian National Party, asserted that "Madrid has a historical responsibility towards the Rif issue and the right of the Riffian people to self-determination and independence, which they struggled for since the 'shameful annexation' of Morocco in 1956." Radwan elaborated that this annexation is considered "illegal" from an international law perspective, maintaining that Morocco holds "no sovereignty over the Rif." The party seeks to affirm this stance by opening its first branch in Spain. The Riffian National Party firmly believes that the Riffian people possess an inherent right to self-determination and independence. Yuba El Gadioui, another party official, stated that Spain is called upon to "bear its responsibility" regarding the Rif region's historical claims. The party's move into Spain is intended to highlight these long-standing assertions within a European context. The opening of the Girona branch is a direct action to concretize these claims and push for their recognition.
Regional Stability and Moroccan Pressure
A high-level international conference on the Riffian people's struggle for self-determination and independence convened in Madrid last Friday. Yuba El Gadioui, a party official, stated that the event marked a significant shift. "The conference was not a fleeting meeting but the beginning of a real transformation in presenting the Rif issue within Spain," El Gadioui said. He added, "It is no longer possible to ignore this issue or confine it to an internal framework." The Riffian National Party also alleged that the 'Makhzen regime' utilizes immigration, drug, and terrorism files as means of pressure and blackmail. The party claims that the 'Makhzen regime' continues to use these issues as tools of pressure and blackmail against those who oppose its policies. El Gadioui further emphasized that regional stability requires addressing core issues. "Stability in the region will not be achieved without addressing the roots of the problem, and the Rif is an essential part of it, not a threat as is being promoted," he concluded. The party insists that the Rif is an essential part of the problem that needs resolution, rather than being perceived as a threat.