In a statement, the High Commission emphasized that, with immense pride and deep respect, and amid widespread national enthusiasm following the Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2797 on 31 October 2025, which confirms the validity of the Moroccan Autonomy Initiative as a just and lasting solution within the framework of national sovereignty, the Moroccan people—together with resistance veterans and members of the Liberation Army—will commemorate tomorrow, Thursday, from Tangier to Lagouira, one of the most cherished moments in the ongoing process of completing national independence and achieving territorial unity.

The statement recalled that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the victorious Green March, conceived by the genius of the unifying monarch, His Majesty the late King Hassan II, may God rest his soul. On that day in 1975, thousands of volunteers from all segments of Moroccan society, joined by delegations from friendly and brotherly countries, advanced in an orderly and peaceful manner toward the Moroccan Sahara to end Spanish colonial rule. Armed only with faith, discipline, and the values of peace, the March demonstrated to the world the determination of Moroccans to reclaim their legitimate rights and end foreign domination. It succeeded in breaking the artificial barriers separating the sons and daughters of one nation. Its “weapons” were the Holy Qur’an, the defense of the homeland, and unwavering commitment to justice, unity, and national dignity.

The statement further noted that the Green March showcased—beyond any doubt—the profound unity forged between a visionary monarch and a loyal people, from the far south to the far north of the country. Moroccans were driven by a steadfast belief in the justice of their cause, mobilized and ready to defend their religious sanctities, national principles, and sacred territory, until legitimacy was restored and the nation was reunited from east to west and north to south.

The Commission recalled the immense sacrifices Morocco made in confronting foreign occupation, which for nearly half a century divided the country into different spheres of influence: the French Protectorate in central Morocco, the Spanish Protectorate in the north and south, and an international administration in Tangier. This fragmentation made national liberation an arduous struggle. Nevertheless, the throne and the people persevered through a long and complex process to achieve freedom, independence, and unity. This struggle culminated in the historic return of His Majesty the late King Mohammed V, the symbol of liberation and independence, along with the Royal Family from exile on 16 November 1955, carrying the banner of sovereignty and calling for the transition from lesser to greater jihad—building a modern and prosperous Morocco.

The Commission added that the end of the protectorate marked only the beginning of the broader national struggle for socio-economic development and territorial unity. In this context, the Liberation Army launched operations in the southern provinces in 1956, leading to the recovery of Tarfaya in 1958, followed by Sidi Ifni in 1969, and culminating in the historic Green March of 6 November 1975. This peaceful national movement enabled Morocco to recover its southern provinces, with the Moroccan flag raised over Laayoune on 28 February 1976, and later over Oued Ed-Dahab on 14 August 1979.

The statement stressed that, as the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the 70th anniversary of independence, the Resistance and Liberation Army family salutes the UN resolution supporting negotiations on Western Sahara based on the Autonomy Initiative within the framework of national sovereignty—considered the only realistic basis for resolving this artificial conflict.

It highlighted that this decisive moment crowns years of high-level diplomatic efforts led by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, characterized by wisdom, foresight, and strategic clarity. Through persistent international engagement, Morocco has successfully convinced influential global actors of the legitimacy of its position and the credibility and realism of the Autonomy Initiative as a practical and lasting solution.

The statement reaffirmed the unwavering mobilization of all components of Moroccan society—political, union, human rights, youth, and civil groups—behind His Majesty the King in advancing the implementation of autonomy within the framework of advanced regionalization and transforming the southern provinces into a hub of development, stability, peace, and African cooperation.

To mark this historic occasion, the High Commission will organize a commemorative event tomorrow at the National Space for the Historical Memory of Resistance and Liberation, featuring speeches, presentations, and testimonies celebrating this pivotal national milestone. Distinguished resistance veterans and Liberation Army members will be honored in recognition of their sacrifices and contributions to the defense of Morocco’s sacred values and national principles.

Educational, cultural, and outreach activities on national historical memory will also be held across all regions, provinces, and prefectures of the Kingdom, under the supervision of regional and local delegations and historical memory centers dedicated to the resistance and liberation movement.

News and events on Western Sahara issue/ CORCAS