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Morocco commemorates 50 years since King Hassan II’s Green March declaration
Morocco today marks the 50th anniversary of a defining moment in its history, the announcement by the late King Hassan II of the Green March, a peaceful initiative to reclaim Sahara. The declaration coincided with the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, which acknowledged legal ties between the region and Morocco.
On October 16, 1975, King Hassan II addressed the nation, urging Moroccans to unite in a peaceful march to assert the kingdom’s historical connection to the Saharan territory. “We must act as one to join the Sahara,” he proclaimed. The march, launched on November 6, 1975, drew 350,000 volunteers carrying Qurans and Moroccan flags, reflecting a commitment to a nonviolent resolution.
The Green March marked a turning point in Morocco’s efforts to end colonialism in Sahara and integrate the region into the kingdom. It also underscored the late king’s resolve to avoid conflict and maintain regional stability.
Development in the southern provinces
After the march, Morocco initiated extensive development in the southern provinces, transforming the region economically and socially. Under Spanish colonial rule, development was limited. However, Morocco’s investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and tourism have revitalized the area.
In 2015, His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched the New Development Model, bringing billions of dollars in investments to the region. Projects like the Dakhla Atlantic Port and a medical school in Laayoune exemplify this transformation. Today, Saharan provinces actively participate in Morocco’s democratic processes, with voter turnout in the 2021 elections exceeding 63%, the highest nationwide.
Diplomatic milestones
Morocco has achieved significant diplomatic recognition for its sovereignty over Sahara. In 2020, the United States formally endorsed Morocco’s territorial claims. Spain followed suit, backing Morocco’s autonomy plan after years of strained relations over the Polisario Front. Germany has also supported the plan, and several nations have opened consulates in Laayoune and Dakhla as symbolic recognition of Moroccan sovereignty.
The International Court of Justice’s 1975 advisory opinion confirmed the region’s legal and historical ties to Morocco, reinforcing the kingdom’s claims. For Moroccans, the Green March remains a symbol of national unity, pride, and the peaceful struggle for territorial integrity, inspiring future generations.
