Said Chaou Condemns Algeria Meeting and Calls for Decisive Action on the Rif Issue

The September 18 Movement released a strongly worded statement addressed to the Moroccan, Rifian, and international public opinion, denouncing the meeting organized by Algerian authorities on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Algiers.
The statement described the event, which gathered individuals geographically linked to the Rif region, as an overt attempt to destabilize Morocco and undermine its territorial integrity. The meeting, coordinated with the South African Islamist party “Al Jamaa,” advisors from the Muslim Brotherhood, Mozambique’s Islamist party “Bimo,” and mercenaries from the Polisario Front, was criticized as a “Day of Hatred and Ingratitude” rather than a “Day of the Rif.”
Signed by Said Chaou, the statement emphasized that the “National Rif Party,” which participated in this suspicious event, had been previously designated as an extremist and terrorist organization under international law, accusing it of serving the agenda of a neighboring state known for violating bilateral and international agreements.
The movement criticized Algeria’s support for this party, arguing it reflects the adventurist ideology of the Algerian regime, which oppresses Amazigh people within its borders while pretending to support them elsewhere.
It also denounced the participation of South Africa’s Islamist “Al Jamaa” party, described as politically insignificant with only one parliamentary seat, and Mozambique’s Islamist party, which renamed itself “Mozambican Independence Party” following a ban on religious parties in its country, labeling it politically irrelevant.
Additionally, the statement condemned the remarks of Jaber Benboui, leader of the so-called “National Rif Party,” as misleading and false. It accused him of concealing the extremist history of the parties he collaborates with and attempting to manipulate Rifian people via social media. The movement highlighted that the withdrawal of many Rifians from this party reflects their awareness of the conspiracies against Morocco’s stability.
The statement accused the Algerian regime of exploiting legitimate causes for political gain, while recalling Morocco’s historical support for Algeria’s independence struggle, including Prince Mohammed Abdelkrim El Khattabi’s role.
In conclusion, the September 18 Movement called on the Moroccan state to take firm measures to protect national stability, including resolving the case of Hirak Rif detainees, improving the conditions of Rifian expatriates, accelerating development projects in the region, and creating job opportunities for youth to thwart any attempts to destabilize Morocco.