Mohammed V (full name: Sidi Mohammed ben Yusef, 10 August 1909 – 26 February 1961) was the Sultan of Morocco from 1927 to 1953, exiled from 1953 to 1955, where he was then King of Morocco from 1955 to 1961. His reign spanned some of the most turbulent periods in Moroccan history, marked by colonialism, nationalism, and independence movements.
Born in Fez, Mohammed V was the grandson of Sultan Moulay Hassan and the son of Sultan Yusef. He ascended to the throne in 1927 after his father’s death. During his early reign, Morocco was a French protectorate, and Mohammed V initially cooperated with the French colonial administration.
However, his stance shifted as nationalist sentiments grew stronger in Morocco. In 1944, he demanded political reforms and the restoration of Moroccan sovereignty. This put him at odds with the French authorities, who viewed him as a threat to their colonial interests.
In 1953, Mohammed V was deposed by the French and replaced by his cousin, Mohammed Ben Aarafa, due to his refusal to cooperate with the French colonial administration. He was subsequently exiled to Corsica along with his family. This move sparked widespread protests and resistance in Morocco, with the slogan “We want Mohammed V” becoming a rallying cry for independence.
However, the tide turned in 1955 when France faced pressure both internally and internationally to grant independence to its colonies. Mohammed V was reinstated as the Sultan of Morocco, and negotiations for independence began.
On 2 March 1956, France officially recognized Morocco’s independence, and Mohammed V became King. His reign as King saw the consolidation of Moroccan independence and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
Mohammed V’s reign was characterized by his commitment to national unity and social justice. He sought to modernize Morocco while preserving its cultural heritage and Islamic identity. He implemented various reforms, including land reforms to redistribute wealth more equitably and educational reforms to promote literacy and modernization.
Mohammed V also played a crucial role in advancing the cause of decolonization in Africa and the Arab world. He was a prominent figure in the Pan-African movement and advocated for solidarity among newly independent nations.
Tragically, Mohammed V’s reign was cut short when he passed away on 26 February 1961, at the age of 51. His death was mourned by the Moroccan people, who regarded him as a symbol of national unity and independence.
Mohammed V’s legacy continues to resonate in Morocco and beyond. He is revered as the “father of the nation” and is remembered for his unwavering commitment to Moroccan sovereignty and independence. His grandson, King Mohammed VI, has continued his legacy, emphasizing the importance of national unity, development, and social justice in modern Morocco.
More Informations
Mohammed V, whose full name was Sidi Mohammed ben Yusef, was born on 10 August 1909 in the city of Fez, Morocco. He hailed from the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since the 17th century. His grandfather, Sultan Moulay Hassan, was known for his efforts to resist European colonization, particularly during the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Mohammed V’s father, Sultan Yusef, succeeded Moulay Hassan as the ruler of Morocco. Yusef’s reign was marked by challenges from European powers, particularly France and Spain, who sought to establish control over Morocco. These colonial ambitions led to the signing of the Treaty of Fez in 1912, which made Morocco a French and Spanish protectorate.
As a young prince, Mohammed V received a traditional Islamic education, studying the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence. He also received instruction in French, which would later prove crucial in his interactions with the French colonial authorities.
Mohammed V ascended to the throne in 1927 following the death of his father, Sultan Yusef. At the time, Morocco was under the control of the French Resident-General, who exerted significant influence over the country’s affairs. Mohammed V initially cooperated with the French administration, hoping to bring stability and progress to Morocco.
However, as nationalist sentiments grew stronger in Morocco and across the Arab world, Mohammed V began to advocate for greater autonomy and independence. In 1944, he delivered a historic speech in Tangier, calling for political reforms and the restoration of Moroccan sovereignty. This marked a turning point in his relationship with the French authorities, who viewed him as a threat to their colonial interests.
Tensions between Mohammed V and the French administration reached a boiling point in 1953 when he refused to sign a decree granting additional powers to the French Resident-General. In response, the French government deposed Mohammed V and replaced him with his cousin, Mohammed Ben Aarafa, who was seen as more compliant with French interests.
Mohammed V and his family were exiled to Corsica, where they remained until 1955. Meanwhile, in Morocco, his deposition sparked widespread protests and resistance against French rule. The “Independence Manifesto,” calling for Mohammed V’s return and the restoration of Moroccan independence, circulated widely and became a symbol of the nationalist movement.
The pressure on France to grant independence to Morocco intensified both domestically and internationally. In 1955, facing mounting resistance in Morocco and diplomatic pressure from other countries, particularly the United States, France relented and agreed to reinstate Mohammed V as the Sultan of Morocco.
On 16 November 1955, Mohammed V returned to Morocco amidst jubilant crowds and was reinstated as the Sultan. Negotiations for independence began, leading to the signing of agreements between Morocco and France in 1956. On 2 March 1956, France officially recognized Morocco’s independence, and Mohammed V became the King of Morocco.
As King, Mohammed V pursued a policy of national reconciliation, seeking to unite Moroccans of different backgrounds and regions. He emphasized the importance of national unity, social justice, and economic development in building a modern and independent Morocco.
Mohammed V’s reign saw the implementation of various reforms aimed at modernizing Moroccan society and institutions. He introduced land reforms to redistribute wealth more equitably among the population and promote agricultural development. Educational reforms were also implemented to expand access to schooling and promote literacy across the country.
Internationally, Mohammed V played a prominent role in advancing the cause of decolonization in Africa and the Arab world. He was a founding member of the Arab League and advocated for solidarity among newly independent nations. He also supported liberation movements in other African countries, offering political and moral support to their struggles against colonial rule.
Tragically, Mohammed V’s reign was cut short when he passed away on 26 February 1961, at the age of 51. His death was mourned by the Moroccan people, who regarded him as a symbol of national unity and independence. He was succeeded by his son, Hassan II, who continued his father’s legacy of promoting stability and development in Morocco.
Mohammed V’s legacy continues to resonate in Morocco and beyond. He is revered as the “father of the nation” and is remembered for his leadership during one of the most critical periods in Moroccan history. His commitment to sovereignty, independence, and social justice remains an inspiration to generations of Moroccans.