Oufkir became the right-hand man of Hassan II during the 1960s[14] and regime strongman “willing and able to employ all means necessary to repress dissent and ensure the stability and supremacy of the regime” according to historian Bruce Maddy-Weitzman.[5][15] In the early years of Morocco’s independence, his nominal boss was the interior minister, Ahmed Reda Guedira [fr].[16] He was appointed the director of the Sûreté Nationale in 1960 to control dissidents and reorganise the military.[4] In 1964, Oufkir became the interior minister.[13][17] He had a close relationship with the CIA during this period[18] and was the main architect for relations with French intelligence[19][20] and for the forging of ties between Israel and Morocco. He visited Israel in 1964 to observe the security arrangements of a papal visit which convinced him that Israel could assist him with palace security in Rabat.[21]
During the late 50s and throughout the 60s, Oufkir was involved in the systematic and brutal repression of political opponents like the leaders of the armed resistance and Moroccan Liberation Army along with prominent leftists. He did so through killing, arbitrary detainment and forced disappearances.[17][22] His main torture centre was in the former palace of Moqri.[23][16] In 1963, Oufkir led the Sand War against Algeria.[2][24] He oversaw the repression of the 1965 Casablanca riots.[25] Under him, army and police were sent to take action against the rioters which led to 400 deaths.[26] From his helicopter, he directed the suppression and allegedly personally machine-gunned rioters in Casablanca.[5][27] These riots ended up in a state of emergency with a 5-year suspension of the constitution and subsequent rule by decree.[26] In 1970, a new constitution was formulated which gave Hassan II virtually unlimited power to make decisions and legislate outside of any constitutional restraint.[13]
