Episode 34 The Strategic Genius of Sharif Raisuni: The Zwa Conference and the Struggle for Moroccan Sovereignty (1915)

بواسطة El lhioui jaafar - يوليو 01, 2026

Episode 34 Strategic Genius of Sharif Raisuni: The Zwa Conference and the Struggle for Moroccan Sovereignty (1915)

Historical diptych photograph of Sharif Ahmed Raisuni, aged 38, showing the 1913 Zwa Unification Conference and the subsequent preparation of the army

"A sepia-toned historical diptych, dated 1913, illustrating key moments in the leadership of Sharif Ahmed Raisuni at age 38. The top panel depicts the peaceful 'Zwa Conference of Unification,' with Raisuni in a green cloak addressing tribal leaders in a lush valley. The bottom panel shows the 'Preparation of the Army,' with Raisuni on horseback overseeing hundreds of soldiers cleaning muskets and sharpening swords near a fortified Kasbah, readying for the struggle to come."

Introduction

The resistance movement in Northern Morocco during the early 20th century was defined by both military brilliance and diplomatic astuteness. Central to this period was Sharif Ahmed Raisuni, a leader whose efforts to unify the Jebala tribes against colonial encroachment remain a cornerstone of Moroccan history. This article explores the critical events of 1915, specifically the historic conference at Zwa and the persistent attempts to undermine the Sharif’s leadership.

The Zwa Conference: Unifying the Tribes

On the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah 1333 AH (1915 AD), Sharif Raisuni convened a landmark assembly in the village of Zwa,, located within the Jebel Habib tribe. The meeting brought together representatives from a wide array of tribes, including Ghomara, Bani Ahmed, Akhmas, Bani Zkar, and many others, all united by a singular purpose: to assess the military situation against the Spanish occupation.

During this assembly, Sharif Raisuni emphasized the necessity of a temporary truce to consolidate the resistance's position. The tribal leaders granted him the mandate to negotiate on their behalf, demonstrating the consensus and trust invested in his leadership. Notably, this period also saw the Sharif survive a treacherous assassination attempt orchestrated by external forces, who planted explosives at his residence—an incident that only solidified his resolve to continue the struggle.

The Silvestre Obstacle and Diplomatic Tensions

The diplomatic efforts toward a truce faced intense internal and external resistance. Colonel Silvestre, a key figure in the Spanish military, was a staunch opponent of any negotiated peace with the Sharif. Silvestre engaged in aggressive propaganda campaigns, specifically within the Bani Arous tribe, aiming to incite conflict and sabotage the peace talks.

The situation grew more complex with the assassination of figures like Caid Ali Aqlai, a move intended to derail the fragile negotiations. Despite these provocations and the pressure from European rivalries during World War I, the Sharif maintained his objective of securing the independence of the Jebala tribes.

Conditions of the Truce and Political Maneuvers

The formalization of the truce was a grueling process involving multiple stakeholders, including the Spanish Resident General and various tribal intermediaries. Key conditions of the agreement included:

The preservation of tribal independence and autonomy.
The Spanish military’s commitment to halt advances to ensure the safety and security of the region.
Financial arrangements to cover administrative expenses, ensuring the stability of the areas under the Sharif’s protection.

However, these agreements were often challenged by the instability of colonial governance and the interference of officials who opposed the Sharif’s influence.

The Legacy of 1915

The events of 1915, including the removal of Colonel Silvestre and the subsequent shifts in the Spanish administration, highlighted the effectiveness of Sharif Raisuni’s political maneuvering. By balancing military action with strategic diplomacy, the Sharif navigated a complex web of colonial interests to protect his people’s sovereignty.

His ability to rally the tribes, even in the face of assassination attempts and political sabotage, stands as a testament to his status as a national hero in Morocco. The 1915 truce was not merely a pause in the war, but a calculated step in the long-term resistance movement that defined the era.

Conclusion: The Strategic Significance of the Zwa Village

Ultimately, the choice of the Zwa village as the venue for this historic assembly was far from coincidental; it was a calculated strategic move. By gathering the tribes in the heart of the Jebel Habib territory, Sharif Raisuni was not merely seeking a temporary truce to manage colonial tensions—he was laying the groundwork for a broader resistance.

The primary impetus behind the conference in Zwa was the Sharif’s acute awareness of the dual threats looming over the region: the encroaching Spanish military and the compromised stance of the Makhzen (the central government). Faced with these combined pressures, the Sharif realized that the survival of the Jebala tribes depended on total unity.

The conference served as a powerful mobilization tool. It was designed to unify the ranks, solidify tribal resolve, and prepare the necessary infrastructure for a coordinated defense. The Sharif sought to ensure that whether the challenge came from foreign invaders or internal political betrayals, the tribes would be ready to act as a single, impenetrable force. Thus, the assembly at Zwa village was the Sharif's definitive statement that he was readying his people for a prolonged struggle to defend their dignity, their land, and their sovereignty against both the Spanish colonial forces and the central authorities who had aligned against them.

Topics Covered in This Episode

1915 History,Jebala Tribes,Moroccan Resistance,Morocco Independence,North African History,Sharif Raisuni,Spanish Colonialism,Zinat Conference

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أرشيف الطاهر اللهيوي | الذاكرة التاريخية Taher Lhioui Archive | Historical Memory