Morocco: Anniversary of the Green March 2025
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Green March Day in 2025, honoring Morocco's peaceful reclamation of the Sahara and its transformative development since 1975.
The 50th Anniversary of Green March Day: Honoring a Unified Legacy
Green March Day, celebrated annually on November 6, holds a significant place in Morocco’s national identity. In 2025, the country will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Green March, a pivotal moment in its history that marked the peaceful reclaiming of the Moroccan Sahara. This day is not only a time for national pride but also a moment to reflect on the incredible development and progress that Morocco has made in the region since 1975. The Green March was an unprecedented peaceful demonstration, where over 350,000 unarmed Moroccan citizens, along with soldiers, marched into the Sahara to assert Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces. This bold action, led by King Hassan II, was a direct response to the 1975 International Court of Justice advisory opinion that questioned Morocco’s territorial claims.
The Historic Green March
In the fall of 1975, King Hassan II of Morocco issued a call for a massive, peaceful march to claim the Sahara from Spain, which had been a colonial power in the region. The Moroccan government organized the Green March, with civilians, soldiers, and volunteers participating to show their solidarity and commitment to reclaiming what they considered their rightful land. It was a peaceful act; participants were encouraged to carry only Qur’ans and Moroccan flags, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to non-violence and its faith in the legitimacy of the claim. The march, which involved participants from all walks of life, was a bold display of national unity and determination, sending a strong message to Spain and the international community.
The Green March was a defining moment not only for Morocco but for the region as a whole. It resulted in Spain’s withdrawal from the disputed territory of Western Sahara, which Morocco then moved to administer. Since then, the event has been celebrated annually, reinforcing Morocco’s territorial claim and showcasing the national unity that it ignited.
International Support for the Green March
The Green March was a movement that garnered significant international attention and support, particularly from Arab nations. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and others in the Arab world rallied behind Morocco’s cause, providing financial assistance and diplomatic backing to ensure that the action was successful. Saudi Arabia, in particular, was one of the most vocal supporters, calling for Arab solidarity with Morocco and offering strong political and economic backing. Other Arab nations recognized the legitimacy of Morocco’s claims and supported its territorial integrity.
In addition to the Arab world, the Green March gained the admiration of many other countries that were sympathetic to Morocco’s cause. The peaceful nature of the march, as well as its cultural and religious significance, made it a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. The success of the Green March demonstrated Morocco’s ability to mobilize both its citizens and international allies in the pursuit of justice for its territorial claims.
Continuous Development of the Moroccan Sahara Since 1975
The period following the Green March saw Morocco embark on a long and ongoing journey of transforming the Sahara into a fully integrated region of the country. Since 1975, the Moroccan government has made significant investments in the region, focusing on infrastructure development, economic growth, and social integration. This development has been vital in ensuring that the Sahara is not only a symbol of national pride but also a prosperous and thriving part of Morocco.
Morocco’s approach to the Sahara has been one of progress, emphasizing the importance of both political and economic stability in the region. Through continued investment in key infrastructure projects, Morocco has worked to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Sahara, ensuring that they benefit from modern amenities and services. These projects have also contributed to the economic development of the region, creating jobs, fostering local businesses, and improving the standard of living.
One of the most significant aspects of Morocco’s development of the Sahara is the focus on sustainability. With the vast natural resources of the Sahara, including solar and wind energy, Morocco has been able to capitalize on these resources to create a green, renewable energy sector. This has not only helped Morocco reduce its dependence on fossil fuels but has also contributed to the creation of a more environmentally friendly and sustainable economy.
Key Infrastructure Projects in the Sahara
- Laâyoune Port Expansion
Laâyoune, the largest city in the Moroccan Sahara, has become a central hub for maritime trade. The expansion of the Laâyoune Port has significantly boosted Morocco’s maritime capabilities, particularly in the fishing and shipping industries. The port serves as a gateway for goods flowing between Morocco and Europe, Africa, and beyond. The modernization of the port includes the construction of new docking facilities, warehouses, and infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels. This expansion has led to increased trade volume, benefiting local businesses and boosting economic activity in the region.
- Dakhla Oued Ed-Dahab Solar Park
Renewable energy projects have been at the forefront of Morocco’s efforts to develop the Sahara in an environmentally sustainable manner. One of the key projects in this regard is the Dakhla Oued Ed-Dahab Solar Park. This large-scale solar energy project harnesses the abundant sunlight of the Sahara to generate clean, renewable energy. The project is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to become a leader in solar energy production, and it plays a crucial role in powering the country’s southern provinces. The Dakhla solar park also helps reduce the country’s carbon footprint and supports its goal of achieving 52% of energy from renewable sources by 2030.
- Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway
Connecting the southern cities of Morocco to the northern regions, the Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway is a major infrastructure project that has improved connectivity in the Sahara. Spanning over 1,000 kilometers, the expressway facilitates the movement of goods and people, making it easier for businesses to transport goods to and from the region. The expressway has also opened up opportunities for tourism, as it makes the Sahara more accessible to visitors. The improved infrastructure has been a catalyst for economic development, allowing businesses to thrive and providing residents with better access to essential services.
- Dakhla Atlantic Port
The Dakhla Atlantic Port, designed to be a major regional port, is strategically located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe. This port is key to Morocco’s ambitions to become a global trade hub. The project aims to develop a facility that supports not only maritime transport but also the fishing and logistics sectors. The port is expected to have a transformative effect on the local economy, generating thousands of jobs and fostering economic diversification in the Sahara. Its completion will further strengthen Morocco’s position as a key player in international trade and regional integration.
- Boujdour Wind Farm
As part of its commitment to sustainable development, Morocco has invested heavily in renewable energy projects such as the Boujdour Wind Farm. Located in the Moroccan Sahara, this wind farm is one of the largest in the country and plays a vital role in generating clean energy. The wind farm helps to supply electricity to thousands of homes while reducing Morocco’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The Boujdour Wind Farm is a symbol of Morocco’s long-term commitment to green energy and environmental sustainability, making the Sahara a key player in the country’s energy transition.
A Vision for the Future
As Morocco prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Green March in 2025, it reflects on the progress made in the Sahara over the past half-century. The development of key infrastructure projects, combined with strong international support and Morocco’s unwavering commitment to the region, has transformed the Sahara into a prosperous and integral part of the country. The Green March remains a powerful symbol of Morocco’s unity and determination, and it will continue to inspire future generations as Morocco looks toward an even brighter future for the Sahara.