King Mohammed VI's Speech on Morocco’s 49th Green March Anniversary

On November 6, 2024, Morocco celebrated the 49th anniversary of the Green March, a peaceful yet powerful demonstration led by the late King Hassan II to assert Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara. King Mohammed VI, in his annual address, marked the occasion by reaffirming Morocco’s commitment to national unity, the development of the Sahara region, and a vision of regional cooperation, particularly in terms of African integration and economic partnerships. The King’s speech touched upon pivotal themes that continue to shape Morocco’s domestic and foreign policies today, emphasizing both the lasting legacy of the Green March and the forward-looking initiatives that Morocco is leading.

Honoring the Green March Legacy

The Green March, initiated in 1975, is not only a defining moment in Morocco’s history but also a symbol of the peaceful determination of its people to reclaim their land. The march saw over 350,000 volunteers walk into the Sahara, asserting Morocco’s claim to the disputed region that had been under Spanish control. This historic event was made possible by the leadership of King Hassan II, whose decision to organize such a peaceful demonstration shocked the world and ultimately paved the way for the return of the Sahara to Moroccan sovereignty.

King Mohammed VI’s speech celebrated the profound impact of the Green March, emphasizing its role in shaping Morocco’s identity as a peaceful, united nation. He pointed to the deep-rooted bond between the Moroccan people and the Alawite royal family, which continues to inspire patriotism and loyalty. Furthermore, the King highlighted how the values of the Green March—resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to national unity—continue to guide the country’s approach to both domestic policy and international diplomacy.

Commitment to Sahara Development and Autonomy

The development of Morocco’s southern provinces remains one of the central pillars of King Mohammed VI’s reign. In his speech, the King detailed the extensive projects aimed at modernizing infrastructure, improving the living standards of local populations, and fostering sustainable economic growth in the Sahara. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that the southern provinces are fully integrated into the national development agenda, with particular attention given to renewable energy, tourism, and fisheries.

The King also reiterated Morocco’s commitment to the autonomy plan for the Sahara, which he described as the most realistic and viable solution for resolving the regional conflict. Supported by an increasing number of international allies, including the United States, France, and Spain, Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara is increasingly recognized globally. This autonomy initiative, which offers the southern regions significant local self-government while remaining under Morocco’s sovereignty, is seen as the key to ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.

Morocco’s Role in Regional and Continental Initiatives

King Mohammed VI’s speech also highlighted Morocco’s strategic efforts to strengthen regional ties, particularly with African countries and those along the Atlantic coast. A significant aspect of the speech was the King’s reference to Morocco’s role in expanding access to the Atlantic Ocean for Sahel countries—landlocked nations in West and Central Africa. Morocco has been working to open new trade routes, connecting these countries to the broader global economy via its ports and infrastructure. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward regional economic integration and stability, as it allows Sahel countries to bypass traditional bottlenecks and access new international markets.

The King emphasized that Morocco’s infrastructure projects, such as the Morocco-Nigeria gas pipeline, are part of a larger vision to enhance the economic capabilities of Sahel countries by connecting them more effectively to the Atlantic. Through these initiatives, Morocco aims to solidify its position as a key economic partner for Sahel countries, helping them grow their economies and improve their geopolitical standing.

The Vision for African Integration

In addition to fostering bilateral ties, Morocco is actively involved in regional multilateral frameworks aimed at improving the political and economic integration of Africa. The King’s speech mentioned several continental projects that Morocco is helping to lead, including initiatives aimed at improving transportation, energy infrastructure, and regional security. Morocco’s vision is clear: to help transform Africa into a more interconnected and self-reliant continent, where all nations can share in the benefits of economic growth and stability.

In this context, King Mohammed VI underscored Morocco’s commitment to supporting the development of the Sahel region, emphasizing that regional stability is paramount for the continent’s overall prosperity. He reaffirmed Morocco’s role as a bridge between the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa, helping to foster both economic partnerships and peacekeeping efforts across the continent.

A Call for National Unity

The King also used the occasion to call for continued unity among the Moroccan people. He emphasized that the progress Morocco has made over the past five decades—whether in terms of economic development, diplomatic standing, or territorial integrity—is due to the collective efforts of all Moroccans. The Green March, he stated, remains a symbol of the resilience and patriotism that continue to define Morocco’s national character.

In this spirit, King Mohammed VI called on his fellow citizens to remain vigilant in protecting the nation’s achievements and to continue to work together in the face of future challenges. The Green March’s legacy, he said, must serve as a reminder of the power of unity and the importance of solidarity in safeguarding Morocco’s sovereignty and future prosperity.

King Mohammed VI’s speech on the 49th anniversary of the Green March served not only as a reflection on a historic moment but also as a roadmap for Morocco’s future. By focusing on the development of the Sahara, regional cooperation, and the empowerment of Africa, Morocco continues to chart a course toward becoming a central player on the international stage. With the continued support of both its people and the global community, Morocco’s future appears bright, firmly rooted in the values of peace, unity, and sustainable development established during the Green March.

Through these strategic initiatives—especially those aimed at enhancing connectivity for Sahel countries and fostering economic partnerships—King Mohammed VI is ensuring that Morocco remains an essential bridge between Africa, Europe, and the world.