The Revolt of Abu Himara and the End of Reforms

The protest movement led by Abu Himara, colloquially known as Bu Hmara or "the man with the she-ass," should be viewed within the broader context of the long-simmering spirit of revolt among the tribes near Taza. These tribes, whose principal wealth was in the cattle and horses they raised, were seriously affected by an 1898 Makhzan ruling that effectively banned the export of cattle to Algeria, one of their chief markets. For seven years, while the court resided in Marrakech, these tribes adopted a semi-independent stance. They received rumors of the Sultan's new "Christian" ways with alarm and began to share the opinion held by some that the reforms were a prelude to a British protectorate. Consequently, Abu Himara found a responsive audience among the Ghiata, in particular. The breaking of the car of the tomb of Mawlay Idris added further appeal to their revolt, leading to a major crisis for the regime. In different circumstances, the appearance of a minor pretender intent on ousting the incumbent Sultan would have received little attention from Europe. However, in 1902, it attracted the attention and apprehension of European diplomats and signaled the failure of the British-sponsored reforms.

The Revolt of Abu Himara and the End of Reforms

The Rise and Influence of Abu Himara

The pretender, sometimes known as el-Rogui (Ar. al-Ruki), was a former minor Makhzan secretary and an ex-talib al-Inuhandis (student engineer) jailed in 1894 by Ba Ahmad for forgery. His real name was Jilali ibn Idris al-Zarhuni al-Yusufi, and he hailed from the Awlad Yusuf, an Arab clan settled in Jabal Zerhoun. After his release from prison in 1901 following Ba Ahmad's death, he spent the next year or two traveling in Algeria and Tunisia. During this period, he became a skilled mimic, amateur magician, and thaumaturge, making it easy for him to convince the superstitious Ghiata tribesmen that he was Mawlay Muhammad. Initially, the government in Fez did not fully appreciate the seriousness of the situation. A hastily assembled maballa was sent to the borders between the Tsoul and Hiaina tribes but failed to register a convincing triumph. Still unaware of the potential danger, Abd al-Aziz decided that this was victory enough and ordered the court to prepare to leave for Marrakech. Along the route to Rabat, the tribes exhibited restlessness at the passage of the imperial caravan, delaying its progress. Meanwhile, Abu Himara managed to lure the Makhzan army to attack the Ghiata, recording a victory and presenting it as proof of his mission's authenticity. This victory drew the attention of other tribes.

Escalation and Turning Point

As hostilities resumed towards the end of January 1903, Abd al-Aziz was much better prepared. For the first time, the major political resources of the Makhzan were employed. Bribes and false information were widely used to divide Abu Himara's forces, and the sharifs of Wazzan utilized their influence in the Taza area to support the Sultan. These measures proved effective when the Ait Ouarain (B. Ait Warrayn) deserted Abu Himara's forces at a critical point in the battle on January 29. The Rogui was driven into the hills in disorder, ceasing to be a direct threat to Fez, although he consolidated his influence in eastern Morocco until his capture in 1909. By 1904, he had moved from his headquarters at Taza to a less vulnerable position near Selouan in the eastern Rif Mountains, not far from Mellila. He remained in that area until 1908, continuing to exert some influence until his eventual capture.

Strategic Retreat and Continued Influence

Despite being driven into the hills, Abu Himara did not cease to be a significant figure. He strategically retreated to consolidate his power base and continued to attract followers from various tribes dissatisfied with the central authority. His ability to use traditional and religious symbols to legitimize his cause allowed him to maintain a degree of influence over the region. The Makhzan's continuous military campaigns against him drained resources and kept the central government on high alert. His presence in the eastern Rif Mountains provided him with a defensible position from which he could launch raids and influence local politics.

The Role of European Powers

The involvement of European powers added complexity to Abu Himara's revolt. The European consuls and diplomats closely monitored the situation, fearing the instability could affect their interests in the region. The British, in particular, were apprehensive about the potential collapse of the Moroccan state, which could invite intervention from other European powers. The French, who had colonial ambitions in North Africa, used the unrest as a pretext to increase their influence in Morocco. This international dimension of the revolt underscored the strategic importance of Morocco and the competing interests of European powers in the region.

The Final Campaigns

From 1904 onwards, Abu Himara's position became increasingly precarious. The Makhzan, now fully aware of the threat he posed, launched more coordinated and sustained military campaigns against him. The Sultan's forces, bolstered by better organization and the strategic use of alliances, managed to push Abu Himara further into the Rif Mountains. Despite facing constant pressure, Abu Himara proved to be a resilient adversary. He continued to hold his ground, utilizing the rugged terrain to his advantage and maintaining the loyalty of a significant number of tribesmen. His knowledge of the region and his ability to inspire fear and loyalty played crucial roles in his survival. In 1905, the Makhzan intensified their efforts, deploying more troops and employing advanced strategies to isolate Abu Himara. The Sultan’s forces laid siege to his strongholds and cut off his supply lines, hoping to starve him into submission. Despite these efforts, Abu Himara managed to evade capture by frequently relocating his base of operations and employing guerrilla tactics. His evasion tactics frustrated the Makhzan and prolonged the conflict, highlighting the challenges of suppressing a well-entrenched insurgent in a geographically challenging region. The tide began to turn in 1908 when the Makhzan forces, now significantly strengthened by new alliances with local tribal leaders, managed to capture key strongholds in the Rif Mountains. The Sultan's forces launched a final, all-out assault on Abu Himara's remaining bastion near Selouan. This assault was marked by fierce fighting and high casualties on both sides, but the superior numbers and resources of the Makhzan eventually prevailed. Abu Himara was finally captured in 1909, bringing an end to his rebellion. The revolt of Abu Himara was a significant event in the history of early 20th century Morocco. It was not merely a localized rebellion but a manifestation of the widespread dissatisfaction with the Makhzan's reforms and the Sultan’s policies. The rebellion highlighted the fragile nature of the Sultan’s authority and the deep-seated resistance among various tribes to any form of centralization or foreign influence. Abu Himara’s ability to rally significant support among the tribes and his prolonged resistance against the better-equipped Makhzan forces underscored the complexities and challenges of governance in Morocco at the time. The failure of Abu Himara’s rebellion also marked the end of a crucial period of attempted reforms in Morocco. The British-sponsored reforms, which aimed at modernizing the administration and economy of the country, were met with skepticism and resistance from the traditionalist segments of society. The rebellion exposed the limitations of these reforms and the Makhzan’s inability to enforce them effectively across the country.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of the revolt, the Sultan’s regime faced the daunting task of re-establishing control and legitimacy. The lessons learned from this period of unrest influenced subsequent policies and the approach towards governance and reform. The legacy of Abu Himara’s revolt serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of resistance among the Moroccan tribes and the complex interplay of power, tradition, and reform in the history of Morocco.