Rabat- Morocco commemorates tomorrow, May 14, the 68th anniversary of the establishment of its esteemed Royal Armed Forces (FAR), a cornerstone of national sovereignty and international peacekeeping efforts.
Established in 1956 by late King Mohammed V, less than two months after the nation’s independence, the FAR has been instrumental in safeguarding Morocco’s territorial integrity, promoting solidarity at home and abroad, and upholding peace.
Under the leadership of late King Hassan II, the FAR flourished, evolving into a modernized institution with five branches: the Land Force, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the Royal Moroccan Guard and the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie.
Throughout its history, FAR has faced challenges, including the attempted coup of 1972 by General Mohamed Oufkir, which led to the centralization of military command under the monarchy.
Today, King Mohammed VI serves as FAR’s supreme commander, continuing the legacy of his predecessors for 24 years by prioritizing the modernization and enhancement of the forces’ capabilities.
FAR’s dedication extends beyond Morocco’s borders, as evidenced by its active involvement in various UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. From Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Moroccan peacekeepers have played a crucial role in stabilizing conflict zones and promoting peace.
In acknowledgment of its contributions, in April of 2023 Morocco was recognized as one of the top ten contributors to UN peacekeeping operations globally.
In December of that same year, the kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing peacekeeping frameworks during the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference in Accra, Ghana. At the event, Morocco pledged to provide training and resources for civilian protection, combating disinformation, and promoting gender equality in peacekeeping operations.
Furthermore, Morocco has been a leader in Morocco’s leadership in coordinating the Non-Aligned Movement’s efforts on UN peacekeeping, underscoring its commitment to global peace and security
FAR’s focus has also extended to humanitarian causes, which was evident in its response to the Al Haouz earthquake, where it provided support to affected communities and participated in relief efforts.
Looking ahead, FAR’s mission is to continue to uphold peace and security both at home and abroad. According to FAR, through continued investment in training, modernization, and international cooperation, the forces stand ready to face the challenges of the future, upholding the values of peace, solidarity, and humanitarianism.
As Moroccans celebrate the 68th anniversary of the FAR, they honor not only its storied history but also the men and women who serve with dedication and valor, ensuring the defense of the homeland and the promotion of peace worldwide.
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