I have visited Morocco a lot in the past years, during and after my doctoral studies. I have always been fond of the people, the moral values, Islamic heritage and human history of the kingdom.
But my visit this month is quite special. I will go there to participate in a conference in November, a month of national will and determination for the Moroccan people. This month sees the celebration of two exceptional national occasions with deep historical symbolism. The Green March anniversary and Independence Day are hallmarks of history for the Kingdom. The present bears witness of the commemorated historical moments.
The Green March was when the Moroccans took charge of their destiny, and showed they can rally around their leadership. Today, amid the erosive waves of globalization, the values of patriotism, loyalty and love of the country should be passed to our children.
The Green March was no ordinary rally. It was not just a massive popular demonstration to defend the land, the nation and sovereignty. It was a milestone in Moroccan history and a turning point where the relation between the people and their leadership was tested. The results were impressive. The immediate popular support for late King Hassan II was like a vote of confidence in his determination to protect the recovered sovereignty from the colonial power.
The Green March was also a lesson in capitalizing on patriotism and utilizing soft power to gain the rights and preserve the strategic interests. The demonstrators were not aggressive or impulsive. Peacefully carrying Qurans and flags, their one goal was to answer the call of a wise and engaged leader. The March was a lesson in patriotism, discipline and loyalty that were manifested in the masses of people. Late King Hassan II said “sending the Moroccans to the Green March was not the most difficult thing. How they would get back to their cities when they were asked to, systematically and in an organized way, believing that the triumph was in their side, was more challenging.”
The other event, Independence Day, marks a great memory for the Moroccan people, then under colonial rule. United and led by King Mohammed V, they stood against all plans of colonial division and subjugation. Their determination culminated in an unprecedented revolution, the King and People’s Revolution. After the colonists surrendered to this overwhelming national will, Morocco gained independence.
Pushing occupying powers away is not the end of the journey, but the start of another more challenging one. True independence comes along cultural, economic, military and political de-colonization and progress.
When the King was brought back to the country in 1955, Morocco virtually gained independence. It all came after a historic struggle in which many Moroccans made sacrifices and gave lessons in patriotism. The relationship between the King and his people has been a symbol of national cohesion since then.
Celebrating Independence Day gives the people a push to continue the path of progress. In Morocco, the future looks promising. The kingdom surpassed many historical challenges thanks to the will of the people and the leadership to maintain a secure and stable country.
Best wishes of a bright future to the brave people of Morocco.
