In the 18th century, a Moroccan sultan took a historic step by abolishing the enslavement of captured Spaniards. Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah, also known as Mohammed III, signed a treaty with Spain in 1767 that prohibited the enslavement of Spanish captives in Morocco.
This agreement was part of broader diplomatic efforts between Morocco and Spain. The treaty also addressed issues of trade and navigation, marking a significant shift in relations between the two countries. The abolition of slavery for Spanish captives was a key humanitarian provision.
Historians note that this was an early example of a bilateral agreement to end slavery, predating many other abolitionist movements. The treaty reflected the sultan's desire to modernize Morocco and establish peaceful relations with European powers.
While the treaty specifically protected Spanish captives, it did not immediately end all forms of slavery in Morocco. However, it set a precedent for future diplomatic engagements and humanitarian norms.
