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Tomorrow, Monday, November 18, 2024, the Moroccan people will commemorate the sixty-ninth anniversary of the glorious Independence Day, which embodied the highest meanings of cohesion between the Alawite throne and the Moroccan people in the epic struggle to defend the nation’s unity, sovereignty, and sanctities.
This glorious anniversary is considered a well-established milestone in the history of the Kingdom and in the conscience of all Moroccans, because it carries profound connotations and high value, and is an occasion to recall the historical context of this great event, which reflects true patriotism in its highest and most sublime manifestations, and embodies the victory of the will of the throne and the people and their close fusion for liberation from colonialism and the establishment of… He established an independent and unified Morocco that envisions a bright future for its children.
Peoples do not mature and expand their aspirations to build their present and future, except by recalling their history, approaching its moments of struggle, and its battles for survival and continuity, highlighting its distinctive entity among nations, and drawing lessons from its various stations, in order to dedicate the force of attraction in the past and present moments towards a future that seeks the best. .
One of the most prominent historical milestones that characterized the path of the national struggle was the historic visit made by the father of nationalism and the hero of liberation, His Majesty the late Mohammed V, to Tangier on April 9, 1947, as an affirmation of the attachment of Morocco, as king and people, to the freedom of the homeland, its territorial integrity, and its adherence to its components and identity.
One of the masterpieces of the national struggle is what the National Movement did at the beginning of the thirties by moving to political struggle and national action aimed primarily at spreading national awareness, strengthening resolve, and stoking enthusiasm among the youth and within all segments and classes of Moroccan society. The National Movement also worked to publicize the Moroccan issue in international forums, which had a shock effect on the foreign presence, which was confronting the national political struggle with arbitrary measures and plans opposed to the liberal thought that the National Movement adopted in interaction and harmony with the father of the nation and the hero of liberation and independence, His Majesty the late Muhammad V, may God sanctify him. His soul.
The colonizers did not succeed in stopping this tide of struggle, which then took root in the depths of all Moroccans, despite his exile of His Majesty the late Mohammed V, along with his honorable family, to Corsica and then to Madagascar, which was evident through the massive uprising witnessed, in its aftermath, by all Moroccan cities and villages.
All parts of the Kingdom witnessed many heroic battles and popular uprisings that embodied the resistance of the Moroccan people to the foreign presence and colonial hegemony, the most prominent of which were the battles of Al-Hari, Anwal, Bougafre, Jebel Badou, Sidi Bou Othman, the uprising of the Ait Ba Amrane tribes and the southern provinces, and other historical stations in which the resistors taught the colonial forces eloquent lessons. In perseverance and sacrifice.
As a moment of unity for the nation, reflecting the memory of the courageous struggle of a people united behind their king, the spark of the revolution of the king and the people was launched on August 20, 1953, the celebration of which is an opportunity for the rising generations to realize the magnitude of the sacrifices made by their ancestors to liberate themselves from the oppression of colonialism and to restore Morocco to its independence.
The strong will of the nation triumphed, in harmony with the throne, to defend sacred national values, against the plans of the colonizer, who did not realize that by exiling the symbol of the nation, His Majesty the late Mohammed V, and his honorable family, he had only inflamed Moroccan patriotism and hastened the end of the era of confinement and protection.
Immediately upon the return of His Majesty the late Mohammed V, accompanied by his royal family, on November 18, 1955, from exile to the homeland, His Majesty announced the end of the French protectorate system and the dawn of freedom and independence, thus embodying the transition from the battle of the lesser jihad to the battle of the greater jihad and the victory of the revolution of the king and the people.
Independence constituted a clear victory and a decisive historical event, crowning with glory the stages of the bitter struggle that followed one another and had many forms and shapes in the face of the colonial presence imposed since March 30, 1912. The Kingdom of Morocco entered a new era, represented by the famous saying of His Majesty the late King Mohammed V, may God rest his soul. “We have moved from the smaller jihad to the larger jihad,” as the Kingdom has engaged in many reforms that… It was launched by the Father of the Nation and concerned all vital sectors in order to build the new Morocco and continue the odyssey of achieving territorial unity.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Al-Moneim, His Majesty the late King Hassan II fought the battle to complete territorial unity. During his reign, the city of Sidi Ifni was recovered on June 30, 1969, and the recovery of the southern provinces was also achieved thanks to the Green March that began on November 6, 1975. In addition to that, he was keen to His Majesty the late Hassan II for building the rule of law and modern institutions, and establishing an exemplary political and democratic system.
In order to consolidate the construction process pursued by His Majesty the late Mohammed V and after him His Majesty the late Hassan II, today, during the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God grant him victory, Morocco’s modernization workshops continue, first and foremost the defense of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the achievement of sustainable economic and social development that guarantees Every citizen has a decent life, and the Kingdom is elevated to the ranks of countries that make the human element the focus of its economic and social policy.
The celebration of Independence Day represents a moment for a contemplative pause that recalls the history of Morocco, which is rich in glories and bright milestones in order to defend the country’s sanctities, and an opportunity to draw inspiration from the lofty values and noble goals that this anniversary abounds, to fuel comprehensive mobilization, cultivate the spirit of citizenship, fortify democratic gains, and continue the journey. The Great Jihad, consolidating and preserving the territorial integrity of Morocco, and linking the ancient past with the glorious present and promising future.
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What were the key events leading up to Morocco’s independence in 1956?
**Interview with Historian Dr. Laila Benjelloun on Morocco’s Independence Day**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Benjelloun. Tomorrow marks the sixty-ninth anniversary of Morocco’s Independence Day. Can you begin by reflecting on the significance of this day in Moroccan history?
**Dr. Laila Benjelloun:** Thank you for having me. Independence Day, celebrated on November 18, is a moment of great pride for all Moroccans. It represents the culmination of a long struggle against colonialism and the deep bond between the Moroccan people and the Alawite throne, particularly under the leadership of His Majesty the late Mohammed V. This day is a testament to the sacrifices made by our ancestors in their quest for sovereignty and national identity.
**Interviewer:** The visit by Mohammed V to Tangier in 1947 was a pivotal event. Can you elaborate on its impact on the National Movement?
**Dr. Benjelloun:** Certainly. The visit by Mohammed V to Tangier was symbolic of the Moroccan people’s desire for liberation. It affirmed their commitment to national integrity and identity, galvanizing the National Movement in the 1930s. The emphasis on spreading political awareness and rallying the youth profoundly shifted public sentiment toward resistance against colonial powers. His leadership inspired countless citizens to engage in the struggle for independence.
**Interviewer:** Despite the challenges, including Mohammed V’s exile, the Moroccan uprising continued to grow. What role did popular uprisings play during this time?
**Dr. Benjelloun:** The uprisings were crucial. They not only demonstrated the resilient spirit of the Moroccan people but also underscored the unity across different segments of society. Despite oppressive measures from colonial authorities, people rallied around the idea of national liberation, evidenced in battles such as Al-Hari and Anwal. Each uprising contributed to a growing national consciousness and resistance that would ultimately culminate in independence.
**Interviewer:** The “Revolution of the King and the People” is a key element of this historical narrative. How did this concept evolve during the struggle?
**Dr. Benjelloun:** The concept of the “Revolution of the King and the People” reflects a unique partnership between the monarchy and the populace. It became a rallying cry, particularly during the exile of Mohammed V, uniting different classes and demographics in the fight against colonialism. The events of August 20, 1953, illustrated this unity and set the stage for wider mobilization. The resilience shown by the Moroccan people emphasized that liberation was not solely the king’s mission but a collective endeavor.
**Interviewer:** What can you tell us about the reforms initiated post-independence and their significance for Morocco’s future?
**Dr. Benjelloun:** After regaining independence on November 18, 1955, Morocco entered a new era of state-building and reform. Mohammed V’s vision encompassed extensive social, economic, and political reforms aimed at modernizing the country and addressing the needs of a free and independent nation. His famous saying about transitioning from “the lesser jihad to the greater jihad” encapsulated this shift—a movement from armed struggle to the pursuit of national development and unity. This focus on reform laid the groundwork for Morocco’s future as a sovereign state.
**Interviewer:** As we commemorate this anniversary, what message do you think is important for the younger generations?
**Dr. Benjelloun:** It’s essential for the youth to understand the magnitude of the sacrifices made for their freedom. Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a reminder of the resilience and unity that characterized our struggle. Young Moroccans should take pride in their heritage, learn from the past, and continue to foster the spirit of nationalism and civic responsibility as they contribute to building the Morocco of tomorrow.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Dr. Benjelloun, for sharing your insights on this important day in Morocco’s history.
**Dr. Benjelloun:** Thank you for having me, and happy Independence Day to all!
