Morocco’s largest Islamist group warns of a popular revolt
By Anouar Mzoudi
Morocco News Tribune
Ithaca, U.S.A— In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Fathallah Arsalane, a key political figure in Al Adl Wal Ihssan (Justice and Charity), warned that Morocco is at serious risk of a popular revolt if the state doesn’t recognize the demands of the Arab Spring and implement real democratic reforms.
As far as the Arab Spring is concerned, Morocco likes to call itself “the Moroccan exception”. Morocco is trying to portray itself as a successful experience between revolution and repression. However, Al Adl Wal Ihssan, Morocco’s largest Islamist opposition group, seems to oppose this view and warns that more political unrest is yet to come.
“Things have regressed to the point before the Arab Spring and today there is a risk of serious popular revolt outside of any political structure,” Arsalane said.
“We can’t predict when the social situation will explode, but what is certain is that all the ingredients already exist,” he added.
Morocco witnessed unprecedented protests demanding political and economic reforms back in 2011.
King Mohamed VI was quick to respond to the growing tension and introduced new reform, including the writing of a new constitution that granted the prime minister more authorities.
New elections were held and an Islamist government, led by Justice and Development Party, came to power.
But Al Adl Wal Ishan doesn’t seem to be impressed with how things are going in Morocco. Mr. Arsalane said that after about two years since the start of the Arab Spring, Morocco is moving backward, with a hereditary monarchy and its court still holding the reins of power and unaccountable to the people.
Al Adl wal Ihsan, when founded, was calling for the restoration of an Islamic caliphate, but over the years the group has changed its political discourse to be similar to other Moroccan Islamist parties, whose messages is based on the call for democracy and a civil state.
Al Adl wal Ihsane was founded by Cheikh Abdesslam Yassine, the charismatic leader who died at the age of 84, on 13 December 2012 and was succeeded by Mohammed Abbadi.
