The evolving relationship between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa, and its reflection in Moroccan literature, was the focus of a recent discussion featured on the MERIP Podcast. Hosted by James Ryan, MERIP’s Executive Director, the episode delved into the work of Brahim El Guabli, specifically his 2021 essay “The Sub-Saharan Turn in Moroccan Literature,” originally published in Middle East Report’s “Maghreb from the Margins” issue. The conversation, recorded on February 13, 2026, explored how migration patterns have reshaped Moroccan identity and politics over the last three decades, as seen through the lens of contemporary Moroccan novels.
El Guabli’s analysis centers on the significant impact of increased migration from sub-Saharan Africa to Morocco, a phenomenon that has prompted a re-evaluation of national identity and spurred novel cultural and political dynamics. The discussion highlighted how Moroccan writers have grappled with these changes, portraying the complexities of integration, the challenges of racism, and the emergence of new hybrid identities. This literary exploration, El Guabli argues, provides a crucial understanding of Morocco’s evolving place within the African continent and its relationship with its southern neighbors.
The Concept of “Saharanism” and its Roots
The podcast episode also touched upon El Guabli’s recently published book, Desert Imaginations: A History of Saharanism and Its Radical Consequences (University of California Press, 2025). This work builds upon the ideas presented in his 2021 essay, expanding on the concept of “saharanism.” According to El Guabli, “saharanism” represents a particular way of imagining the Sahara and its surrounding regions, one that has historically been shaped by colonial legacies and contemporary political interests. He argues that this concept has had profound and often overlooked consequences for the region, influencing everything from political boundaries to cultural identities.
El Guabli’s research demonstrates how the Sahara has been historically constructed as a space of both opportunity and danger, a frontier for resource extraction and a zone of geopolitical competition. He traces the evolution of “saharanism” from its colonial roots to its contemporary manifestations, highlighting how it continues to shape perceptions of the region and influence political decision-making. His work challenges conventional narratives about the Sahara, offering a nuanced and critical perspective on its history and its future.
Migration and the Reshaping of Moroccan Identity
The “Sub-Saharan Turn” in Moroccan literature, as El Guabli details in his 2021 essay, is not merely a reflection of demographic shifts but a fundamental reshaping of Moroccan identity. For decades, Morocco largely identified with its Arab and Berber heritage, with limited engagement with sub-Saharan African cultures. However, the increasing influx of migrants from countries like Senegal, Mali, and Nigeria has forced a reckoning with this self-perception. Moroccan authors, El Guabli notes, have begun to explore the experiences of these migrants, challenging traditional notions of Moroccan belonging and prompting a broader conversation about inclusivity and diversity.
This literary engagement with migration has also brought to the forefront issues of racism and discrimination. El Guabli’s work highlights how sub-Saharan African migrants often face prejudice and marginalization in Moroccan society, despite the country’s historical ties to the African continent. By examining how these experiences are portrayed in literature, he sheds light on the complex social and political dynamics at play and advocates for a more equitable and just society.
Further Exploration of El Guabli’s Scholarship
El Guabli’s academic work extends beyond his analysis of Moroccan literature and “saharanism.” He has also published extensively on the intersection of race, identity, and politics in North Africa. His 2024 article, “Forgettable Black and Amazigh Bodies: Boujemâa Hebaz and the Moroccan Racial Politics of Amnesia,” published in Comparative Studies of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East, examines the erasure of Black and Amazigh (Berber) identities within Moroccan historical narratives. This research underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing historical injustices in order to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
El Guabli’s 2023 article, “The Idea of Tamazgha: Current Articulations and Scholarly Potential,” featured in Tamazgha Studies Journal, explores the evolving concept of Tamazgha – a term referring to the Amazigh homeland – and its implications for contemporary Amazigh activism and political mobilization. He examines how the idea of Tamazgha is being re-appropriated and re-imagined by Amazigh intellectuals and activists, and its potential to serve as a unifying force for the Amazigh community.
His work often draws connections to broader historical and intellectual contexts. He references scholars like Ghislaine Lydon, whose 2009 book, On Trans-Saharan Trails: Islamic Law, Trade Networks and Cross-Cultural Exchange in Nineteenth Century Western Africa (Cambridge University Press), provides valuable insights into the historical interconnectedness of the Sahara and its surrounding regions. Similarly, he acknowledges the importance of Shamil Jeppie’s forthcoming book, Writing Timbuktu: The Book in West African History (Princeton University Press, 2026), which explores the rich intellectual tradition of Timbuktu and its significance for understanding the history of West Africa.
Brahim El Guabli currently serves as an associate professor of comparative thought and literature at Johns Hopkins University, continuing his research and contributing to the ongoing scholarly conversation about North Africa, migration, and identity. His work offers a critical and nuanced perspective on the complex challenges and opportunities facing the region, and his insights are essential for understanding the evolving dynamics of the Maghreb and its relationship with the wider world.
The MERIP Podcast series continues to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on critical issues facing the Middle East and North Africa. Listeners can find previous episodes, including a segment with Beshara Doumani from November 2025, on the MERIP website. Listen to the previous episode here.
Currently, MERIP is accepting pitches for its summer issue focusing on visual art and cultural production in the Middle East and North Africa, with a submission deadline of February 23, 2026. More information about submitting proposals can be found on the MERIP website.
As Morocco continues to navigate its complex relationship with sub-Saharan Africa, the insights offered by scholars like Brahim El Guabli develop into increasingly vital. His work encourages a deeper understanding of the historical, political, and cultural forces shaping the region, and his analysis provides a valuable framework for addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The ongoing exploration of these themes, as exemplified by the MERIP Podcast, is crucial for fostering informed dialogue and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the Maghreb and its place in the world.
The conversation surrounding migration, identity, and the concept of “saharanism” is likely to continue evolving in the coming years. Further research and analysis will be essential to fully grasp the long-term implications of these trends and to develop effective strategies for promoting inclusivity, justice, and sustainable development in the region. Stay tuned for further developments and insights from scholars and researchers working on these critical issues.
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