Rabat – Today, November 18, Moroccans all over the world are celebrating the 63rd anniversary of Morocco’s independence. The day marks the return of late King Mohammed V from exile in 1955.
In August 1953, the colonial rulers decided to send King Mohammed V and the royal family into exile, because of the tension between Moroccan citizens and the occupying powers. However, sending the royal family into exile led to a revolution from the Moroccan resistance and liberation army who struggled against the occupation until they gained their long-awaited independence.
While Morocco officially gained its independence from French rule on March 2, 1956, and from Spain on April 7 of the same year, November 18 is the date that Moroccans remember for King Mohammed V’s iconic speech.
“We are delighted to announce the end of the trusteeship system and protectorate and the advent of freedom and independence,” said King Mohammed V on November 18, 1955.
In the 1950s, Moroccans celebrated the Independence Day on March 2 of every year. However, after the death of King Mohammed V and his son King Hassan II’s ascension to the throne, the new King moved the celebration to November 18 as a tribute to his father.
Independence, the First Step Towards a Modern Morocco
Morocco’s independence is a landmark event in Morocco’s contemporary history. It symbolizes the triumph of the will of the Moroccan people, and the establishment of a modern and unified Morocco.
The Independence Day is also an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of previous generations of Moroccans who did their utmost to defend Morocco’s territorial integrity, and to appreciate their commitment and contribution to independence.
Since the reign of King Mohammed V, Morocco has made remarkable strides in numerous fields. The Kingdom, now under the leadership of Mohammed VI, has developed systems of democracy, political pluralism, and economic liberalism.
And today, Morocco is still walking the path to fulfilling its potential as a modern country with a competitive and diversified economy and strong values of democracy and citizenship, through far-reaching projects of social and economic development.
