Treaty of Wad Ras


The Treaty of Wad Ras was a treaty between Morocco and Spain, signed at the end of the Tetuan War on April 26, 1860 at Wad Ras, located between Tetuan and Tangier. The conditions of the treaty exacerbated Morocco's defeat in the war, with major concessions to Spain. Morocco was forced to pay a 20 million duro indemnity—far greater the balance of the Makhzen's treasury; the territories of the Spanish exclaves of Ceuta and Melilla were extended further into Moroccan territory; and Sidi Ifni became a Spanish possession.

Historical context

The years 1859 and 1860 saw the war between Morocco and Spain known as The War of Tetuan. The war came at a time characterized by European colonial expansion in Africa. Morocco suffered a massive military defeat against France in the Battle of Isly in 1844, and in 1856 the British pressured the sultan into a trade agreement that opened the ports and reduced the Makhzen's control over Morocco's economy.
The Spanish campaign of 1859 came in response to the skirmishes led by local tribes that took place around the Spanish enclaves.
After the Spain's victory over Morocco at the Battle of Tetuan and its conquest of the city in 1860, the Spanish general Leopoldo O'Donnell decided to attack Tangier. The Moroccan army, led by al-Abass Bin Abderrahman, brother of Sultan Muhammad IV, attempted to challenge the attack at Wad Ras, where he suffered a massive defeat. This defeat forced Muhammad IV to sign a peace treaty with major concessions.

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