This event constitutes, in fact, a radiant page in the contemporary history of the Kingdom, reflecting the firm determination of the Moroccan people to throw off the colonial yoke and regain their freedom, just as it illustrates the heroism and sacrifices made for defense of national sovereignty.
The uprising of August 16, 1953, which was led by nationalists from the Oriental and which was followed by another uprising in Tafoughalt (Berkane province) on August 17, 1953, gave the measure of the deep impregnation of the populations of the region by the nationalist ideals embodied by the late HM King Mohammed V, who led, in unison with his people, the struggle for emancipation and independence.
In a speech on his behalf on this occasion, the High Commissioner for former resistance fighters and former members of the liberation army, Mustapha El Ktiri, indicated that the uprising of August 16, 1953, which embodied an eternal epic and a turning point decisive in national history, is a source of pride and its lessons of courage, determination and patriotism must be transmitted to future generations.
In this sense, he underlined the deep meanings of this uprising which was carefully prepared by the national movement and the resistance of Oujda, and the eloquent example of solidarity, unity and cohesion between the summit and the base at the local and national level, whenever necessary, to defend the integrity and dignity of the homeland.
The uprising of the population of Oujda against the occupier on August 16, 1953 will forever remain a flagship event in the memory of the Moroccan nation, and a glorious epic on the path to Morocco’s independence.
El Ktiri also reiterated the permanent and continuous mobilization of the Resistance Family behind His Majesty King Mohammed VI in the defense, without concession, of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom.
In this same vein, the High Commissioner for former resistance fighters and former members of the liberation army highlighted the performance of Moroccan diplomacy and the significant successes achieved by the Kingdom in the Sahara issue, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
During the meeting, held with the participation in particular of the Secretary General of the Wilaya of Oriental, the Director of Systems and Historical Studies at the High Commission for former resistance fighters and former members of the Army, the president of the Municipal Council of Oujda, elected officials, former resistance fighters and beneficiaries and other personalities, royal wissams were given, including one posthumously to a former member of the Resistance Family, and two others to retired executives from the High Commission.
Likewise, former resistance fighters received tributes during this meeting, also marked by the distribution of financial and social aid for the benefit of former resistance fighters or their beneficiaries.
This demonstration was preceded by a tribute paid, at Place du 16 Août in Oujda, to the memory of the martyrs and heroes of Independence.