Rabat – US Ambassador to Morocco Puneet Talwar, Polish Ambassador Krzysztof Karwowski, and British Ambassador Simon Martin inaugurated on Monday a mural in Kenitra honoring their historic cooperation.
Dubbed the “Operation Torch Mural,” the mural is a tribute to the first major US military operation of the European-North Africa theater during World War II.
The mural represents “a milestone in the deep, historic ties between the United States, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Morocco,” a statement said.
Multiple high-profile Moroccan officials were at the event including the High Commissioner for Former Resistance and Former Members of the Liberation Army, Mustapha El Ktiri, the Governor of Kenitra province, Fouad M’Hamdi, and Kenitra’s Mayor, Anas Bouanani.
The date of the inauguration marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Torch. “The joint project of the Polish and the U.S. embassies in Morocco was made possible by the support of the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra Wilaya and Kenitra municipal authorities,” the statement explained.
The mural is located in the center of Kenitra, in front of the city hall. The mural was designed by Polish artist Ewa Potocka, who lives in Fez. Potocka alongside Polish artists Anna Troczynska and Daria Makarewicz painted the mural in December 2022.
“Today, we look back at the events of November 1942 with reverence, and we express our deep gratitude to the allied soldiers, sailors, and airmen for the role they played in securing the foundation for peace and security in the region,” Ambassador Talwar said.
“Our commitment to working to secure that peace with our close allies – especially Morocco and Poland – is stronger than ever,” he added.
On his part, Ambassador Karwowski said: “I am happy and moved to see that this magnificent and impressive mural, which links the history of Morocco, the United States and Poland, in Kenitra, a key location for Operation Torch,”
The mural pays tribute to the “known and unknown heroes of World War II, to whom we owe our freedom. I am particularly proud to be able to pay tribute to Poland’s great hero, Major “Rygor” Słowikowski, whose role in the success of Operation Torch is gradually being revealed by American, British, and Polish historians,” he explained.
Operation Torch
On November 8, 1942, over 30,000 US troops from the Western Naval Task Force – WWII warships – landed in Safi, Mohammedia, and near Kenitra as part of Operation Torch, which was, at that time, the largest amphibious – beach landing of troops – military landing in history.
The operation was a success as it relied heavily on a spy network headed by Polish Army Major Słowikowski, who provided the British and Americans with more than 1,200 inside reports on Morocco and Algeria.
At the time, the two North African countries were under the control of the French government headquartered in Vichy, which was under the control of Nazi Germany.
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