Rabat – 58 years have elapsed since the King and People Revolution took place in Morocco on August 20th, 1953. This Saturday, the Moroccan people celebrate this glorious event in the contemporary history of the country. This celebration is a real symbol of the perfect harmony and coexistence between the different components of the country and their king, guarantor of its sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity.
As usual, the King Mohammed VI will deliver a speech on this occasion that will be broadcasted live on Saturday evening. This will be the second time that the Monarch addresses the nation, after the adoption of the referendum on the reform of the constitution last July.
The Revolution’s anniversary is an important event that Moroccans commemorate proudly every year, an occasion to remember and pay tribute to the struggle led by the father of the Nation, the late King Mohammed V against the French occupation, and to those who sacrificed their lives in order to free their country from colonial rule.
August 20th 1953 remains an unforgettable day in the Moroccan memory, a moment that illustrates the Holy Communion between the Throne and the people. The Revolution began when the colonial residence surrounded the Royal palace and enjoined the legitimate Sultan Mohamed V, under threat of arms, to surrender or be exiled.
To the dismay of the colonial power, this event contributed to strengthen the domestic front in Morocco and the unity of Moroccans behind their legitimate Sultan.
After two years, this victorious revolution succeeded in freeing the country from the yoke and tutelage of the French Protectorate, paving the way for the advent of the era of freedom and independence.
Throughout this period, the Moroccan people were sincere and loyal, imbued with the spirit of the legitimate struggle led by the King Mohammed V. They vigorously and unanimously rejected what the colonizers tried to impose upon them. Moroccans chose to stay true to their convictions and continue their struggle for the liberation of their country and the return of the Sultan who embodied the unity of the nation and epitomized its religious values.
Faced with the rise of armed resistance from the National Liberation Army and an unprecedented increase of its operations throughout this country, the colonial authorities were forced to accept dialogue and open negotiations with the nationalists. Through their dedication, the latter precipitated the triumphal return of the legitimate sovereign Mohammed V and the declaration of the independence of Morocco.
This year, Morocco is celebrating this glorious anniversary against the backdrop of the adoption of a new constitution that aims to build a modern and democratic society under the leadership of king Mohammed VI.
