Independence Day: Commemorating a New Era for Morocco
Engraved in the annals of Moroccan history, Independence Day, celebrated on November 18th, commemorates a pivotal moment in the nation’s trajectory. It celebrates the historic speech of November 18, 1955, delivered by the Father of the Nation, the late King Mohammed V, announcing the end of the French protectorate and the liberation of Morocco.
“We are delighted to announce the end of the guardianship regime and the protectorate and the advent of freedom and independence,” Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef declared upon his return from exile in the company of the Royal Family on that fateful day.
The late King Mohammed V outlined a grand vision, outlining the “great Jihad,” a pursuit of modernization, state consolidation, national unity, and development. This torch was subsequently carried forward by his successors, King Hassan II and the current King Mohammed VI, to safeguard territorial integrity and achieve sustainable development.
This celebration serves as a poignant reminder of the countless sacrifices made by generations past. Notably, in 1953, following the exile of King Mohammed V, the nation witnessed a popular revolution fueled by unwavering determination to continue the struggle for liberation. This culminated in the colonizer’s capitulation and the triumphant return of the King to his homeland.
The post-independence period witnessed the completion of territorial unity under the leadership of King Hassan II, culminating in the recovery of Sidi Ifni, the southern provinces, and the province of Oued Eddahab.
Under the reign of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has witnessed remarkable economic modernization and the consolidation of democratic values, placing the Moroccan citizen at the heart of this transformative journey.
The commemoration of this anniversary allows us to pay tribute to the visionary leadership of King Mohammed V, who steered the nation towards a new era characterized by the triumph of law, justice, and dignity. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of previous generations, empowering the rising generations to appreciate the legacy they inherit and perpetuate the values of democracy and sovereignty.