Nizar Baraka consolidates power within Istiqlal Party ahead of legislative elections

Nizar Baraka has now secured control over the last stronghold within the Istiqlal Party that had eluded him. After months of sustained pressure, he has succeeded in removing Naam Myara from the leadership of the party’s affiliated union, the General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM).

The change is expected to be formally confirmed at an extraordinary congress of the union, where Youssef Allakouch, a member of the UGTM executive bureau, is set to replace Myara.

In April 2024, Baraka had already orchestrated Myara’s removal from the presidency of the House of Councillors, replacing him with his brother-in-law, Mohamed Ould Errachid.

With this latest move, the Secretary-General of the Istiqlal Party further consolidates his grip on the party’s internal dynamics, weakening the influence of Sahrawi leader Hamdi Ould Errachid, mayor of Laayoune.

Since taking the helm of the Istiqlal Party on October 17, 2017, Baraka has steadily strengthened his position within the organization.

Myara’s removal comes just months ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for September 23.