Independence Day: A Glorious Event Reflecting the Perfect Symbiosis Between the Throne and the People

Engraved in the annals of the nation and deeply rooted in the hearts of all Moroccans, Independence Day is an opportunity to reflect on the historical context of this milestone, which marks the triumph of the shared will of the Throne and the Moroccan people. Side by side, they engaged in a long and difficult battle to liberate the country from colonial rule and lay the foundations of a united and independent Morocco, destined for a promising future.

A key turning point in this national struggle was the historic visit of the Father of the Nation and hero of the liberation, the late His Majesty Mohammed V, to Tangier on April 9, 1947. This visit reaffirmed the unwavering attachment of Morocco, King and people, to freedom, territorial integrity and national identity.

One of the most significant achievements of the national movement was the shift, in the early 1930s, toward organized political activism, with the objective of reviving patriotism across all layers of Moroccan society, particularly among the youth.

The national movement also worked to bring the Moroccan cause before the international community, a development that unsettled the colonial authorities. In response, they resorted to repression in an attempt to extinguish the independence movement that was being shaped in close coordination with the Father of the Nation, the late His Majesty Mohammed V, may God have His soul.

Despite exile imposed by the colonial authorities on the late King Mohammed V and the Royal Family, first in Corsica then in Madagascar, the momentum of the national struggle did not fade. On the contrary, it sparked a wave of popular resistance across Moroccan cities and villages.

Across the national territory, historic battles and popular uprisings embodied the Moroccan people’s resistance to foreign domination. Among the most notable were the battles of El Hri, Anoual, Bougafer, Djebel Baddou and Sidi Bou Othmane, as well as the uprising of the Aït Baâmrane tribes, the Southern Provinces and other movements that inflicted heavy defeats on colonial forces.

The Revolution of the King and the People on August 20, 1953, represents another powerful symbol of national unity and courageous struggle, with the Moroccan people standing firmly behind their Sovereign. For new generations, this moment serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by their ancestors to free the nation from colonial rule and restore its sovereignty.

Upon his return from exile on November 18, 1955, the late King Mohammed V announced the end of the French protectorate and the beginning of the era of freedom and independence. He described this transition as the passage from the “lesser struggle” (Al Jihad Al-Asghar) to the “greater struggle” (Al Jihad Al-Akbar), affirming the triumph of the Revolution of the King and the People.

A decisive turning point in Moroccan history, independence represented a major victory, crowning the national resistance after years of colonial rule imposed since March 30, 1912. A new chapter then opened with reforms initiated by the late King Mohammed V across vital sectors, aimed at building a modern Morocco and preserving its territorial integrity.

Continuing the legacy of his august father, the late His Majesty Hassan II led the final phase of restoring national territorial unity, beginning with the recovery of Sidi Ifni on June 30, 1969, followed by the recovery of the Southern Provinces through the Green March on November 6, 1975. At the same time, he worked to consolidate the rule of law, institutional governance and democratic foundations.

In the same spirit, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, continues today the modernization of Morocco. His priorities include defending territorial integrity and pursuing sustainable socio-economic development that ensures dignity for all citizens, while placing the human element at the heart of national policies.

The celebration of Independence Day offers an opportunity to revisit the glorious chapters of Moroccan history, marked by acts of heroism and sacrifice in defense of the Nation’s sacred values.

It is also a moment to draw lessons from this historic milestone in order to deepen national consciousness and instill a strong sense of citizenship among new generations, who are called upon to continue this great struggle to preserve democratic achievements and strengthen the territorial integrity of the Kingdom.

Editorial team/le7tv