This glorious event has been recorded over the years in the register of sustainability, not as mere historical episode, but as a comprehensive doctrine for the recovery of national sovereignty, the anchoring of democratic and constitutional monarchy in order to overcome ignorance, underdevelopment and ostracism.


Since the establishment of the French protectorate in Morocco on March 30, 1912, Moroccan people had been struggling against the colonial forces in different regions of the kingdom, in order to recover its independence and defend the sacred values of the Nation.

Morocco has witnessed in the early twenties a movement of popular resistance and various tribal uprisings against foreign domination including Tafilalet, the Grand Atlas, Tadla and Jbel Saghrou.

Many victories were won between 1927 and 1930, by the valiant fighters of Boudnib and Khenifra, among others.


In a vain attempt to break the unity of the Moroccan people and sow the seeds of ethnic and religious dissension, the colonial authorities promulgated a Dahir called "Berber" in 1930. However, the Moroccans, through their unwavering attachement to the Alawite Throne the ideals of freedom and dignity, faced with courage and bravery this conspiracy, reviving the national conscience and strengthening the patriotic action of the nationalist movement, which defined its clear position and resolutely turned towards the future by submitting reforms claims in 1934.

This national action has barely begun to take shape that the colonial authorities took repressive measures which caused many victims among nationalists. The nationalist movement grew to become truly a historic turning point.

By presenting the Manifesto of Independence, January 11, 1944, the nationalist movement marked the activism he had committed under the leadership of Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef and aroused great interest at the national, Arabic and international levels.


Keen to ensure the unity of Morocco and demonstrate the commitment of his people, late His Majesty Mohammed V, may God bless his soul, began April 9, 1947 a historic visit to the city of Tangiers, symbolic and courageous move, defying the colonizer and expressing the attachment of Morocco, King and people, to its territorial integrity, its values and its national identity.

This historic visit caused tension between the Palace and Residence General and revealed the position of the colonial authorities which was against the legitimate aspirations of the King and people.

The Protectorate authorities took advantage from the events of December 1952, following the assassination of the Tunisian unionist militant Farhat Hachad, to send activists and leaders of the nationalist movement to jails or condemn them to exile.

In 1953, the French colonial authorities exiled the Alaouite royal family after the Late King Mohammed V -grandfather of king Mohammed VI- refused to sign decrees consecrating French domination over Morocco.

This anniversary is an opportunity to look back at the achievements of the three monarchs who led the country through the different stages of its history, namely, late Mohammed V and Hassan II, and the current king Mohammed VI.

It is also an occasion to hail the efforts and sacrifices of the Moroccan people, who offered lives and money to achieve the independence of the country and subsequently to place it amongst the democratic, modern, moderate and open countries.

Source: MAP
-News on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas-