Between February and March 1961, two major events stand out in Morocco's history. First, the untimely death of King Mohammed V, followed by the inauguration of King Hassan II on March 3, 1961.
On the 26th of February King Mohammed V passed away after undergoing a minor surgery. His death has raised several questions regarding the efficiency of the medical staff that performed the operation.
While Mandela came to Morocco to get the help he needed to defeat the Apartheid regime, Che Guevara was invited by Prime Minister Abdallah Ibrahim. During the same period, Fidel Castro had breakfast with King Hassan II in Rabat.
Unlike the assassination of Mehdi Ben Barka, the death of General Dlimi received little attention. But this was not the case in 2015, when Dlimi’s nephew argued that the death of his uncle was plotted by Washington, referring to the suspicious relationship between the Moroccan general and France.
25 years ago, Abderrahim Bouabid, a politician and former minister passed away. The founding member of the National Union of Popular Forces was known for his firm positions when it comes to the first constitutional referendum and the Western Sahara cause. History.
King Hassan II of Morocco, known for his elegance and refined taste, owned a unique luxury watch crafted by Breguet and Chaumet in 1985, featuring a Hijri instantaneous triple calendar. This masterpiece, designed with exceptional attention to detail and fit for royalty, was sold to the late King for 500,000 French Francs.
In 1962, Morocco delivered weapons for the ANC fighters. Nelson Mandela had even spent a few months in the Kingdom. Abdelkrim El Khatib played a crucial role in bringing both Hassan II and Mandela together. The two men met, for the second time, in 1994 in Rabat. While in prison for 27 years, Morocco moved away from the ANC and stood closer next to the South African regime.
On the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, observed by the United Nations on November the 29th, Yabiladi seeks the opportunity to recall all the times Morocco has shown support for the Palestinian cause. Starting from the Yom Kippur War, the kingdom has become one of the countries committed to defend the Palestinian people expelled in 1948. Flash back.
On the 12th of November 1984, Morocco withdrew from the Organization of African Unity, during a summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Protesting against admitting the Polisario Front, Morocco left the Panafrican body for 33 years. During this period, the organization was named the African Union. Flashback.
In a visit to Morocco, the Queen of England was angered by King Hassan II's tardiness. In a book by Robert Hardman, the details of this trip that was later named «the tour from hell», were revealed pointing out at a part of the sovereign’s personality.