Project for the creation of a Libertarian Studies & Research Centre in Morocco

An appeal for international collaboration and support

Announcment of the setting-up of a new anarchist centre in Morocco, with an appeal for international cooperation from other anarchist studies and research centres and anarchist and libertarian organizations and militants. The article was first published on Rojo y Negro.

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Project for the creation of a Libertarian Studies & Research Centre in Morocco

WHO WE ARE

We are autonomous people who think that anarchism (and libertarian thought in general) should occupy a place among the thought that circulates in society. It is clear to us that anarchist thought is marginalized and that there is a high degree of ignorance about it among people in Morocco. Nevertheless, in the recent past, Moroccan society has on occasions used libertarian practices in its daily life. It is in the community life where mutual aid, autonomy and collective ownership have always been present; this daily social practice is not very well-known, irrespective of its ideological qualification. It was a path, in which one can see a strong relationship with what is called the libertarian project. In this society, actions are more important than any ideological qualification.

WHY WE ARE BUILDING THIS CENTRE

To study society, to understand it better, it is necessary to go about it from a libertarian point of view, at least in order to present a different vision from the one which currently circulates. Up to now, anarchist theory has never considered Moroccan society. In spite of the marginalización, there do exist vestiges of self-management, of autonomy and of mutual aid that have always been present, in spite of the resolute enemy offensive to put an end to any aspect of collective, anti-capitalist life.

METHODS AND INSTRUMENTS OF OUR WORK

Our intention is to form a rich library of anarchist literature in all its diversity, that contains a memory of anarchism as a weapon of defence.

We also intend to organize conferences on theoretical topics, that illustrate the anarchist heritage that exists in the world. To provide information on experiences in other countries, towns and various communities, both in the past and present, in order to show our people that capitalism is not humanity's final aim, and that the current victory of imperialism is simply because the struggle against it is weak, dispersed and disorganized.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the C.L.E.R. (Centre Libertaire d’Études et Recherches - Libertarian Studies and Research Centre) is to gather, classify and archive everything related to anarchism: books, writings, works, magazines and philosophical and sociological periodicals. In our opinion, both philosophy and human sciences are fundamental pillars of a critical spirit that is conscious of the need for plurality, diversity and differences, and of the impossibility of setting out a pre-determined model of society in advance. Spontaneity and freedom of action and of thought are indispensable for the construction of a society that respects human dignity. For that reason, we will give the necessary priority to the human sciences and not to ideologies; to the action of people and free, autonomous groups, and not to "sacred" texts, to propaganda or to slogans.

We will form a rich library (books, magazines, newspapers, posters, pamphlets, videos, documents, university theses and research... in various languages. Translation into Arabic will be one of the concerns of the centre, as well as the organization of debates, seminars, exhibitions... and other activities to facilitate encounters with militants and libertarian writers from all over the world.

We are fully aware of the difficulties we face; that our task is enormous. However, with the participation and cooperation of other similar centres, we know we can do it. We call on all anarchist studies and research centres and on all anarchist and libertarian militants to help us fulfil this dream. At present we are working on the publication of a magazine called "Here & Now".

With libertarian greetings

Brahim Fillali [from www.rojoynegro.info - translated by a-infos]