Riffian independence movement

After a couple of years, the newly installed republic was crushed by French and British forces, and Abd al-Karim surrendered on May 26, 1926.

[5][6] Rebellion sparked again between 1957 and 1958, through a popular uprising named the Rif Revolt, which was violently crushed by Moroccan forces, leading to the death of 3000 Rifians.

[7] The Moroccan National Liberation Army (ALN) maintained an armed struggle in the Rif and in the Atlas entering into open conflict with the Istiqlal party.

The latter, led by Abdelkhalek Torres, Mehdi Ben Barka, and Allal Al Fassi, committed numerous crimes (assassinations and kidnappings) against ALN sympathisers.

Despite this renewed interest, the Rif still suffered from high unemployment rates, exceeding 20 percent of the labor force, which represents twice the national average, while the informal economy prevails.

[18] The movement's leader Nasser Zefzafi was arrested for the obstruction of freedom of worship, and was flown in a military helicopter directly to Casablanca (500 km away), where he is being held and was tried by a court of law for charges of sedition and conspiracy as of 10 March 2018, and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

[19] On 26 June 2017, day of celebration of Eid el-Fitr, the police and gendarmerie launched a vast crackdown in Al Hoceima and surrounding areas, to disband a planned march in solidarity with the detainees.

[22] The Rif Nationalist Party (PNR) was formed in September 2023 as a result of persistent marginalization and suppression of civil unrest by separatists.

In response, the Polisario expressed interest in establishing ties with the party and helping its members learn how to use military weapons.

[24] In April 2024, a PNR delegation meet with United Nations representatives in New York City with hope of achieving support for separatism from Morocco and to provide a platform for the Rif people to speak to the rest of the world and advocate for their needs and rights.