Kinshasa, November 5, 2024 – The Moroccan people are preparing to commemorate with unparalleled fervor and mobilization the 49th anniversary of the Green March, a symbol of a fierce struggle to preserve the territorial integrity of the Kingdom. Initiated by the late HM Hassan II to liberate the southern provinces from Spanish colonial rule, this march remains a historic event that marks the unwavering unity between the Alawite Throne and the Moroccan nation.
November 6, 1975 remains etched in memories, when volunteers, carried by their unwavering faith, converged on the southern provinces, united in a patriotic spirit to affirm the legitimacy of Morocco over these territories. Faced with this demonstration of strength and determination, the colonial authorities were forced to recognize the imminence of their defeat and to abandon their hold on these lands.
The epic of liberation was marked by peaceful order and flawless organization, supported by the unwavering conviction that Morocco had the legitimate right to recover its southern provinces. The national flag flew proudly in the sky of Laayoune in February 1976, while the recovery of Oued Ed-Dahab in August 1979 definitively sealed the end of foreign occupation in the region.
Today, under the enlightened leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the legacy of the Green March continues through economic and social development initiatives aimed at raising the southern provinces to the ranks of the most prosperous regions of the Kingdom. This dynamic is reflected in significant advances in social services, health, housing, economic growth and job creation, thus reinforcing the attractiveness and vitality of these territories.
The Green March remains a source of inspiration and pride for the Moroccan people, recalling the strength of unity and determination in the quest to preserve the territorial integrity of the Kingdom. Its legacy continues to guide Morocco on the path to prosperity and solidarity, embodying the fundamental values that have forged the identity and greatness of this nation.
On this commemoration of the 49th anniversary of the Green March, Morocco celebrates not only a major historical event, but also the spirit of resilience and unity that continues to mark its path towards a promising and prosperous future.