Abd al-Hafid of Morocco

Who was Abd al-Hafid of Morocco?

Abdelhafid of Morocco was the Sultan of Morocco from 1908 to 1912 and a member of the Alaouite Dynasty. His younger brother, Abdelaziz of Morocco, preceded him. While Mulai Abdelhafid initially opposed his brother for giving some concessions to foreign powers, he himself became increasingly backed by the French and finally signed the protectorate treaty giving de facto control of the country to France.

After his brother, Abdelaziz appointed him as caliph of Marrakech, he sought to overthrow his brother, by fermenting distrust due to his brothers European ties. He was aided by Madani al-Glaoui, older brother of T'hami one of the Caids of the Atlas. He was assisted in the training of his troops by Andrew Belton, a British officer and veteran of the Second Boer War. For a brief period Abdelaziz reigned from Rabat while Abdelhafid reigned in Marrakech and Fes was disputed. In 1908 Abdelaziz was defeated in battle. In 1909, he became the recognized leader of Morocco.

Abdelhafid abdicated in favour of his brother Yusef after signing the Treaty of Fez on 30 March 1912, which made Morocco a French protectorate. He signed his abdication only when on the quay in Rabat, with the ship that would bring him to France already waiting. After an extended visit to France, where he received a great deal of attention from the press, he returned to Morocco and was exiled to the Dar el Makzhen in Tangier.