Morocco marked the 49th anniversary of the Green March, reflecting on the momentous event in 1975 that not only reclaimed the Moroccan Sahara but also strengthened the bond between the region’s inhabitants and the Kingdom. In a national address, His Majesty King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, emphasizing the deep historical connection between the region and the Moroccan people.
The King highlighted that, since the Green March, Morocco has solidified undeniable facts on the ground, creating a reality grounded in law, legitimacy, and responsibility. He stressed the unwavering attachment of the Saharan people to their Moroccan identity, a connection that has endured through the Bei’a, the historical bond between the people of the Sahara and the Moroccan monarchy. King Mohammed VI pointed to the remarkable progress, security, and stability that have transformed the Sahara into a prosperous region, further demonstrating the country’s continued commitment to its southern territories.
The King also noted the growing international recognition of the Sahara as Moroccan, alongside expanding support for the Autonomy Initiative, which has garnered increasing attention as a feasible solution for the region. Despite these advancements, King Mohammed VI criticized those who continue to promote outdated ideas, including calls for a referendum that the United Nations has deemed unworkable. He also condemned the use of the Tindouf camps, where people remain in dire conditions, as political leverage, reaffirming that Morocco will not compromise its territorial integrity.
While Morocco remains open to regional partnerships, particularly regarding the Sahel’s access to the Atlantic Ocean, King Mohammed VI firmly rejected any efforts to exploit the Sahara issue for narrow political objectives. He reaffirmed that Morocco’s sovereignty will always take precedence over external pressures.
Addressing Moroccans abroad, the King praised their contributions to the Kingdom’s development and announced plans to overhaul the management of expatriate affairs. He outlined a vision for the restructuring of key institutions that serve the diaspora, including the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad, which will serve as a constitutional body representing the interests of Moroccans living overseas, and the Mohammadia Foundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad, which will implement public policies and foster investment from the diaspora.
The King also called for the simplification and digitization of administrative processes for the Moroccan community abroad and stressed the importance of increasing private investment from expatriates. He expressed concern that the current level of investment, standing at only 10%, was insufficient and urged greater engagement to enhance Morocco’s economic growth.
In conclusion, King Mohammed VI paid tribute to the legacy of the late King Hassan II, the architect of the Green March, and honored the sacrifices of those who fought for Morocco’s territorial integrity. He reiterated that Morocco’s journey of progress is ongoing, with continued efforts to ensure that the benefits of development reach every region, from the Rif Mountains in the north to the Sahara in the south.
