Part of my research focuses on the decolonisation of (bio)medical sciences and the exploration of how colonial ideas regarding humans, regions, and cultures contribute to disparities in public health. 

This understanding helps shed light on disparities in various aspects. Consequently, I am acutely aware of the decolonisation processes in different countries and aim to unravel the underlying mechanisms accompanying decolonisation. 

And therefore, I see many similarities between the decolonisation mechanisms in medical sciences and Morocco’s historical journey towards independence from France and Spain in 1956.

The Green March

Yesterday marked the 48th anniversary of the Green March, a peaceful milestone in Moroccan history. It serves as an example of reclaiming the country’s sovereignty from colonisers and occupiers. 

Spain colonised the Sahara territory of Morocco and continued to occupy the region after the country gained its independence in 1956. The late King Hassan II rightly pointed out that the decolonisation of the land required liberation from two entities, the French and the Spanish, making for complex negotiations, the effects of which we still feel today. 

The Franco regime, due to his reluctance towards liberation, made the process even more difficult. King Hassan II’s call to face the Spanish occupiers without arms, in peace and with large numbers, was an excellent approach for Moroccans to achieve decolonisation and reclaim the land. 

This also underscores the deep-rooted connection of the Sahara to Moroccan identity and the desire for an independent and pluriform country under one flag.

Enduring challenges

Even 48 years later, we still face challenges from non-Moroccan actors in recognising and acknowledging the effects of colonisation and the need to continue the decolonisation process. 

Decolonisation doesn’t conclude with declaring independence or freedom from the occupier; it necessitates the acknowledgement and agreement of all involved parties. As long as others do not support Morocco’s rightful sovereignty over its desert, true decolonisation and independence remain elusive. 

This extends beyond territorial acknowledgement and implies the removal of post-colonial power structures and political interference. Rich in resources, the Sahara is a powerhouse for the region and Europe, supplying essential materials like phosphate and is a crucial player in the energy transition. 

Former colonisers of the African continent continue implicit and indirect post-colonial influence through power structures, which disadvantage newly decolonised states as seen in resource exploitation in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Niger.

Just as in medicine, where colonial ideas about Africans persist and lead to harmful practices, post-colonial foreign policies and geopolitics also persist and can have detrimental effects on Morocco. 

Recovering from oppressive regimes where the occupier benefited the most is a process that may take generations to overcome. Currently, Morocco deals with those who seek to destabilise its territories, which can only lead to crises and harm the country and the entire region.

Eurocentric views

Furthermore, some actors from former colonial powers are misusing their positions in the European Union and the United Nations, affecting Morocco’s sovereignty and inhibiting development and collaboration. Our land is not a bargaining chip for third parties, nor a pressure tool, but a matter of independence and sovereignty. Therefore, respecting and facilitating decolonisation is imperative, as is keeping the celebration of the Green March alive.

Changing the historical narrative of the Moroccan Sahara is an enduring issue that does not contribute to progress in our sovereignty and decolonisation process. Historical profiles and evidence consistently affirm that the western part of the Sahara has always been, is, and will be Moroccan. Moreover, this was recognised in the French and Spanish Treaty of 1912 when the Sahara was included as part of the Sultanate’s land for partition. 

A false narrative claims that the Moroccan-Sahrawi people are entitled to their land due to their perceived racial and ethnic background. This misconception, prevalent in Western views, questions the concept of pluriformity and multi-ethnic peaceful coexistence in most African nations. 

These are alien phenomena from Western political scientists’ perspectives that are held as rightfully believed and are used as the framework to assess situations. One such example is the ongoing war in Sudan, where multiple identities of a nation are viewed as a reason for conflict and, therefore, should be separated. However, the division and separation from colonial entities have exacerbated such issues. We will not let this happen on our land.

Preserving the correct historical narrative and countering the Eurocentric view established during colonial and post-colonial periods is essential in maintaining the Sahara’s integral role in Morocco, its identity, and the decolonisation process. Failing to acknowledge the Sahara as part of Morocco is, in my view (please note, this is a personal opinion), a refusal to accept independence from colonial or post-colonial actors. 

Nevertheless, Morocco continues to work towards its future, driving the nation’s political, social, economic, and cultural advancements. The Moroccan Sahara is also paving the way for the essential energy transition the planet needs. 

As long as we persist in the struggle for decolonisation, Morocco’s people and development will face hindrances. The King who initiated the Green March may have passed away, but his voice and calls continue to resonate in this generation and beyond.

Happy anniversary, Morocco.