HIBAPRESS – Muhammad Zariouh
The Egyptian diplomat and journalist shed light on one of the Maghreb figures who did not receive enough historical and media attention, through the program "Journey of a Leader". In this week's episode, Abdel Aal Abed devoted a large space to the Moroccan fighter Mohand Al-Khader Al-Hamouti, who was nicknamed "The African Soldier". He described him as "the global diplomat who sacrificed everything and ended up a victim of treachery on Algerian soil".
In a precise historical narrative, Abdel Aal Abed reviewed the struggle and political path of Al-Hamouti, pointing to his prominent role in crucial stages of the history of the Arab Maghreb. The Egyptian journalist confirmed that Al-Khader Al-Hamouti was a role model in struggle and diplomatic work, and that his biography represents an educational reference that should be taught to future generations in Morocco, Algeria, and the Arab world.
He pointed out that Al-Khader Al-Hamouti was a unique figure who transcended national borders, as he contributed significantly to supporting liberation movements in the region, especially the Algerian revolution. His relations were strong with the leaders of the Algerian revolution such as Mohamed Boudiaf, Ahmed Ben Bella, Houari Boumediene, and Abane Ramdane. His house in Beni Ansar was a safe haven for them, where he provided logistical and humanitarian support to the revolutionaries, including treatment and shelter.
Abed explained that Al-Hamouti played a pivotal role in funding the Algerian Liberation Army after Morocco's independence, and continued his support for Algeria's independence despite his refusal to join the provisional Algerian government that was formed in Tunisia in 1959. This refusal reflects his adherence to his principles of struggle away from narrow political calculations.
Abed touched on the late King Hassan II's appointment of Al-Hamouti as a member of his special court, where he intended to appoint him as Morocco's ambassador to Algeria. But political tensions at the time prevented the realization of this project. Al-Hamouti's life ended tragically after his kidnapping and assassination in Algeria by unknown parties.
Abed also criticized the policy of erasing historical memory that contributed to neglecting many prominent figures in the history of the Maghreb resistance, stressing that attempts to erase memory did not succeed in obliterating the historical roles played by resistance men, headed by Al-Khader Al-Hamouti, who recorded his name in the record of the Maghreb struggle with pride and sacrifice.
In conclusion, Abdel Aal Abed confirmed that restoring the biography of Al-Khader Al-Hamouti is not just a recall of a forgotten past, but a historical necessity to understand an entire stage of the joint struggle between the peoples of the Arab Maghreb.
