Morocco marks 49th Anniversary of the Green March, reaffirms sovereignty over Western Sahara
On the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Green March, King Mohammed VI reaffirmed Morocco’s unwavering commitment to its sovereignty over Western Sahara, calling for international recognition of the region as an integral part of Morocco.
In his speech at the annual celebration of the Green March, a pivotal moment in Morocco’s recovery of its southern provinces from Spanish colonization, King Mohammed VI emphasized the “tangible facts on the ground” that underscore Morocco’s legitimate and rightful claim to the territory.
“The Green March was not only a victory for Morocco, but a demonstration of the unwavering bond between the Moroccan people and the Sahara,” the King stated.
He stressed that the region’s inhabitants have long maintained a deep connection to their Moroccan identity, which has been reinforced by progress, stability, and security in the territory since its integration into Morocco in 1975.
The King pointed to growing international support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative, which seeks to offer the people of Western Sahara a high degree of autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, as a clear indication that the global community is increasingly recognizing Morocco’s rightful claim.
King Mohammed VI also addressed the continued debate surrounding the issue of a referendum for self-determination, reiterating that this option has been rejected by the United Nations due to its impracticality.
He condemned those who use the situation to exploit regional or political interests, calling out their manipulative tactics, including the use of Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf camps as pawns.
“Morocco will not compromise on its territorial integrity or national sovereignty,” King Mohammed VI affirmed.
“Our legal commitments and partnerships will never come at the expense of our unity as a nation.”
The monarch’s remarks reinforce Morocco’s firm stance on the Western Sahara issue, underscoring its commitment to regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the broader Sahel region through initiatives such as enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries.
The Green March, which led to Morocco’s peaceful recovery of the disputed region, remains a defining moment in the nation’s history, symbolizing the strength of Morocco’s territorial unity and its continued resolve to secure its legitimate sovereignty over the Sahara.
