Rabat, Morocco –
Moroccans on Thursday commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Green March, the mass mobilization that pushed Spain to relinquish control of Western Sahara in 1975 and remains a defining moment in the country’s national identity.
Events were held across the kingdom and in Western Sahara itself, including Laayoune, the region’s largest city. The anniversary, a national holiday, is widely viewed as a historic milestone in ending colonial rule and asserting Moroccan sovereignty.
In Oued Roumane, a district of Salé near the capital, local NGOs, youth groups, and sports associations took to the streets waving national flags. Children carried portraits of King Hassan II — architect of the original march — alongside images of King Mohammed VI.
“Long live the King. The Sahara is Moroccan and here we are celebrating from our hearts,” said Khadija Guerouaj, who joined a crowd singing and dancing in celebration.
Western Sahara, a desert region rich in phosphates, was under Spanish rule until the Green March of 1975, when hundreds of thousands of Moroccans crossed into the territory in a coordinated civilian and military push. The show of force persuaded Spain, under General Francisco Franco, to withdraw.
The territory remains contested, claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, which is backed by Algeria and seeks independence for the Sahrawi people. Polisario views Morocco’s presence as an extension of colonial occupation.
This year’s anniversary was especially significant after the UN Security Council described Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “a most feasible solution”—the first time such language has appeared in a UNSC resolution. The phrasing was welcomed by Moroccan officials and participants in Thursday’s celebrations.
“I thank everyone behind the UN resolution,” said demonstrator Said Housni, calling the development a positive step.
King Mohammed VI hailed the decision as a diplomatic victory, even as Polisario reiterated its commitment to a self-determination referendum that would include independence as an option.
Source: Adapted from Africanews
