On Wednesday evening, His Majesty King Mohammed VI delivered a heartfelt speech to the Moroccan people in honor of the 49th anniversary of the historic Green March, a peaceful movement that reclaimed the Moroccan Sahara and reinforced the connection of the region’s people to their homeland.
In his address, the King highlighted three foundational pillars of Morocco’s approach to the Sahara issue:
- Deep-rooted loyalty of the Sahara’s people: The King emphasized the steadfast loyalty of the Moroccan Sahara’s citizens, united with the kingdom through historic ties and allegiance to the monarchy.
- Development, security, and stability: The King praised the ongoing renewal and growth in the region, underlining the Moroccan Sahara’s progress in stability and prosperity.
- International recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty: Acknowledging the increased global support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara, he noted the broad support for the autonomy plan, while criticizing lingering, outdated approaches that cling to the idea of a referendum—an option that the United Nations has deemed unfeasible.
King Mohammed VI also criticized the exploitation of the Sahara issue by some parties, who use it to cover domestic issues or pursue access to the Atlantic for strategic reasons. Reaffirming Morocco’s openness to constructive cooperation with neighboring nations, he highlighted Morocco’s initiatives aimed at facilitating Atlantic access for Sahel states through mutual partnership and collaboration.
A renewed commitment to Moroccan communities abroad
Turning his focus to the Moroccan diaspora, King Mohammed VI praised the patriotism and loyalty of Moroccans living abroad. To strengthen their bond with Morocco and to support their needs more effectively, he announced a major restructuring of institutions that serve the Moroccan diaspora. This initiative will focus on two key entities:
- Council of the Moroccan community abroad: This constitutional body will serve as a platform for reflection and advocacy, representing the interests and voices of Moroccans worldwide. The King called for swift action on passing a new law to guide this Council’s work.
- Mohammedia Foundation for Moroccans residing abroad: Once established, this new foundation will serve as the operational arm of public policies targeting Moroccans abroad, consolidating scattered services under one umbrella. It will also oversee the “National Mechanism for Mobilizing Overseas Moroccan Expertise” to encourage skilled expatriates to contribute to Morocco’s growth through investments and initiatives.
These changes aim to streamline administrative, judicial, and logistical processes for the Moroccan diaspora, with a special focus on digitalization. The King expressed his desire to see greater Moroccan expatriate investment, currently limited to 10% of private national investments, highlighting a vision for deeper involvement from the community.
Honoring the Green March legacy: Commitment to development and inclusivity
Reflecting on the legacy of the Green March, the King emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and dedication to further entrench Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. He also underscored the need for inclusive progress, with benefits reaching every corner of Morocco, from the Rif to the Sahara, and from the mountains to the plains.
King Mohammed VI concluded his speech with a tribute to the memory of his father, King Hassan II, who led the Green March, and the valiant martyrs of the nation. This anniversary, he reminded Moroccans, is a moment to renew their commitment to unity and to build on the sacrifices and successes that have shaped Morocco’s journey.
