Reading for theory in the Moroccan Marxist-Leninist testimonial literature. Issue 1 (2nd April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: El Guabli, Brahim
• Is Part Of: African identities. Volume 18:Issue 1/2(2020)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2020-04-02
• Subjects: Morocco -- Marxist-Leninist movement -- Abraham Serfaty -- Ilā al-Amām -- theory -- revolution -- years of lead; National characteristics, African -- Periodicals; Africans -- Periodicals; African diaspora -- Periodicals; Africa -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 305.896
• DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2020.1773243
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-5843

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this article, I argue that the testimonial literature of former members of the Moroccan Marxist-Leninist Movement (MMLM) is theoretical. Drawing on Abdelaziz Tribak's Ilal Amam, autopsie d'un calvaire (2009), 'Abd al-Qādir al-Shāwi's Kitāb al-dhākira (2015), and Abraham Serfaty's Le Maroc, du noir au gris (1998), I conceptualize testimonial literature as theory in the Moroccan context. I locate the theoretical thrust of the three memoirs I examine in: first, their critical engagement with the MMLM's experience. Second, the use of trauma as a conceptual tool to analyze the history of the Moroccan left in the aftermath of the MMLM's disintegration. Third, the use of testimonial literature as a space to refigure or retheorize the revolution that failed to materialize in the 1970s. The article combines history with literary analysis to shift the focus from testimonial literature as a source of information to approaching it as a space for ideation and critical thought.