The North African kingdom of Morocco was filled with celebration on Thursday, marking the 50th anniversary of the Green March. This historic civilian and military demonstration successfully compelled Spain to relinquish control of the disputed Western Sahara.
Ultimately, the event paved the way for Morocco’s administration of the vast territory.
Festivities were held across the entire nation, including within the contested region itself, prominently in its largest city, Laayoune.
The anniversary holds status as a national holiday. For Moroccans, the march is remembered as a pivotal event in ending the era of colonial domination.
The Day Civilians Crossed the Line
In Oued Roumane, a district of Salé near the capital Rabat, local associations organized vibrant demonstrations. Sports groups, youth clubs, and non-governmental organizations marched down the main street, enthusiastically waving national flags.
Children proudly carried portraits. They displayed images of the late King Hassan II, who conceived the original demonstration, alongside photos of the current monarch, King Mohammed VI.
Khadija Guerouaj, one demonstrator, joined a large group of women, singing and dancing with joy. She passionately declared, “Long live the King. The Sahara is Moroccan and here we are celebrating from our hearts.”
The Contested Desert Territory
The Western Sahara, a desert rich in phosphate resources, remained under Spanish authority until 1975. That year, hundreds of thousands of Moroccan civilians and soldiers entered the Spanish-held territory. This show of national will proved decisive, convincing General Francisco Franco to yield control.
Today, the region remains a major source of geopolitical friction. Both Morocco and the Polisario Front assert claims to the territory. The Polisario Front, based in refugee camps in southwestern Algeria, claims to represent the indigenous Sahrawi people.
This group views Morocco’s subsequent presence as a new colonial occupation following Spain’s departure.
Diplomacy Adds Weight to Anniversary
This year’s celebration carried extra political significance for Rabat due to a recent diplomatic success. Last week, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution.
This marked the first time the Security Council adopted language referring to Morocco’s proposal for the territory as “a most feasible solution” to the dispute.
Said Housni, a demonstrator, voiced his satisfaction with the UN decision. “I thank all those involved, everyone who organized this celebration and everyone behind the UN resolution,” he said.
King Mohammed VI hailed the resolution as a major diplomatic victory. However, the Polisario Front has firmly committed to continuing its campaign.
The group insists on a promised self-determination referendum that would include the option of full independence.
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