Moroccan People Commemorate the 49th Anniversary of the Green March: A Historic Epic of Unity, Sovereignty, and Progress
Rabat – Amid fervent patriotic enthusiasm, continuous mobilization, and steadfast vigilance over its territorial integrity, the Moroccan people celebrate today, Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the 49th anniversary of the glorious Green March—a defining chapter in the national movement to complete independence and reclaim the Southern Provinces.
A Peaceful Triumph of National Faith and Royal Vision
Envisioned by the genius of His Late Majesty King Hassan II to liberate the southern territories from Spanish colonial rule, the Green March epitomizes the unbreakable bond between the Alaouite Throne and the nation. On November 6, 1975, 350,000 peaceful civilian volunteers from all regions of the Kingdom marched in disciplined harmony toward the Sahara, carrying only the Holy Quran and the national flag, achieving a peaceful restoration of national sovereignty unparalleled in modern history.
Confronted by this national resolve, colonial authorities conceded to the joint will of the King and the People. The historic march led to the raising of the Moroccan flag in Laayoune on February 28, 1976, signaling the end of foreign occupation, followed by the recovery of the Oued Eddahab province on August 14, 1979.
Sustaining Development and Sovereignty Under His Majesty King Mohammed VI
Today, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the spirit of the Green March continues to drive Morocco’s diplomatic and socio-economic triumphs. Supported by a firm national consensus, Morocco remains resolute in defending its legitimate rights, pushing forward the serious and credible Autonomy Initiative to resolve the artificial regional dispute.
Concurrently, the Southern Provinces have undergone a monumental socio-economic transformation through the Royal Development Model. Boasting the Kingdom’s lowest poverty rates, highest GDP growth figures, and superior performance in infrastructure, health, and housing, the Moroccan Sahara now serves as a showcase for advanced regionalism and a thriving hub connecting Morocco to greater Africa.
Prime Minister-designate Fatima-Zahra Mansouri met with Mohamed Joudar, Secretary-General of the Constitutional Union Party, as part of consultations to form Morocco’s new government. Discussions focused on employment, purchasing power, education, healthcare, social and territorial justice, and preparations for the 2030 World Cup.
Mohamed Joudar, Secretary-General of the Constitutional Union, urged voters to turn out in large numbers to strengthen Moroccan democracy and shape the Kingdom's legislative and executive direction for the next five years. Speaking after casting his ballot in Casablanca, he highlighted key priorities for the upcoming government—including healthcare, education, purchasing power protection, and preparations for the 2030 World Cup—noting the party's participation with 74 local and 12 regional electoral lists.
On September 7 in Casablanca, the Constitutional Union (UC) launched its platform for the 2026 legislative elections, prioritizing job creation, purchasing power, and productive growth under the commitment "A Productive Economy, More Job Opportunities, and Stronger Purchasing Power." Key Challenges Addressed: Secretary-General Mohamed Joudar highlighted that ~2.9 million Moroccan youth are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEETs), alongside inflation pressures and market intermediaries driving up living costs. Core Proposals: Align vocational training with market demands and support first-job access for youth. Improve the business climate, expand financing for SMEs/startups, and combat monopolies and rent-seeking. Strengthen market competition and supply chain transparency to curb inflation rather than relying solely on temporary price fixes. Combine private initiative with strategic state oversight to ensure growth benefits all social classes and regions.
