Dr. Mohamed Doumir Unveils Historical Evidence Debunking Moroccan Independence Party’s Baseless Claims of a “Greater Morocco” and Its Territorial Demands on Algerian, Mauritanian, and Sahrawi Lands in an Interview on Dzair Tube

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | August 4th, 2024 — In a recent appearance on Dzair Tube’s program “Remontada,” historian and content creator Dr. Mohamed Doumir presented compelling historical evidence to debunk the Moroccan Independence Party’s claims regarding the so-called “Greater Morocco” and its assertions of territorial rights over Algerian, Mauritanian, and Sahrawi lands. The discussion, hosted by Mustapha Bounif, sheds light on the historical inaccuracies perpetuated by Moroccan political figures and underscores the importance of accurate historical representation.

Unveiling Historical Misconceptions

Dr. Doumir argued that the map advocated by Moroccan Independence Party leader Allal al-Fassi has misled many Moroccans into clinging to an unrealistic vision of territorial expansion. This vision, according to Doumir, distracts from the fundamental task of nation-building by fostering unrealistic claims over territories in Algeria, Mauritania, and Western Sahara.

Doumir elucidated that discussing borders necessitates a deep understanding of historical states that once existed in North Africa. Historical accounts reveal that, over 2,300 years ago, the region was home to three prominent states: Numidia, Carthage, and Mauretania Tingitana. According to Doumir, the boundaries of Numidia, which covered modern-day Algeria, stretched from the Grand River with Carthage (in present-day Tunisia) to the Moulouya River with Mauretania Tingitana (in present-day Morocco).

Numidia: The Genesis of Algeria’s Boundaries

Dr. Doumir highlighted that Numidia was a fully-fledged state with its own kings—Massinissa and Syphax—and a robust economy, military, and legal system. Numidia’s borders laid the foundational geographic framework of modern Algeria. In contrast, Mauretania Tingitana, considered the precursor to the Moroccan state, extended from the Moulouya River to the Atlantic Ocean.

The historian further explained that the extension of territories southward into the Sahara was not a focus of these states. For instance, Algeria’s southern limits, according to Roman writings, reached only as far as the Aurès Mountains or the southern limes line, not extending significantly into the Sahara, similar to the territorial limits of Tunisia and Morocco.

The Rustamid Dynasty: Expanding the Sahara

Dr. Doumir noted that the Rustamid dynasty, the first Islamic state in Algeria established after Numidia’s decline, expanded into the Sahara, establishing its capital in Tiaret. This dynasty reached as far south as Touat, Ghine, and other southern regions. This expansion marked the first historical unification of northern and southern Algeria, a feat achieved around 700 AD.

Historical Rights and Territorial Disputes

In response to a query by Mustapha Bounif about whether the Algerian territory during French colonization matched its current borders, Dr. Doumir affirmed that the historical context supports Algeria’s claims to the Moulouya River boundaries. Despite the existence of a border treaty with Morocco, some Algerians believe they have a historical right to these territories, compensating for French colonial encroachments with significant natural resources.

Debunking ‘Greater Morocco’ Claims

Addressing the concept of the “Greater Moroccan Empire” promoted by Allal al-Fassi and the Moroccan Independence Party, Dr. Doumir clarified that the term “empire” is historically inaccurate. The “Marrakech Empire,” as European sources referred to it, was a collection of autonomous regions—Rif, Fes, Marrakech, and Souss-Massa-Draâ—united under a sultan but not an empire in the traditional sense.

Doumir criticized the Moroccan claims as a historical fabrication based on brief periods of territorial expansion during the Saadian Dynasty. He pointed out that the Saadians’ expansion into Western Sahara and Mauritania, which occurred during the late 16th century, was short-lived. The territories were quickly retracted once the Saadians returned with plunder, and contemporary claims of a “Greater Morocco” ignore this historical reality.

Conclusion

Dr. Doumir’s analysis underscores the need for accurate historical understanding to address contemporary territorial disputes. His evidence challenges the Moroccan Independence Party’s claims and reinforces Algeria’s historical and territorial integrity.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

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Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

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