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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 factors that led to the success of the National Movement in Morocco during the struggle for independence?
**Interview with Dr. Amina Al-Mohandis, Historian and Expert on Moroccan Independence**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Mohandis. As we approach the 69th anniversary of Morocco’s Independence Day, can you share with us the significance of Mohammed V’s historic visit to Tangier in 1947?
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** Thank you for having me. Mohammed V’s visit to Tangier on April 9, 1947, was a pivotal moment in Morocco’s national struggle. It marked a public reaffirmation of Moroccan identity and unity, illustrating the deep determination of both the monarchy and the people to achieve freedom and territorial integrity. This visit intensified national awareness and solidarity against colonial rule.
**Interviewer:** How did the National Movement influence the struggle for independence during the 1930s?
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** The National Movement was crucial at this time, as it galvanized the Moroccan population around political action and national consciousness. There was a concerted effort to engage citizens from all walks of life, particularly the youth, and raise their awareness about the need for liberation. This movement effectively brought the Moroccan issue to international attention, putting pressure on colonial powers and igniting a unified response against oppression.
**Interviewer:** Despite the colonial powers’ attempts to suppress the movement, it continued to grow. What factors contributed to this resilience?
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** The unwavering spirit of the Moroccan people was the cornerstone of this resilience. Even during challenging times, such as the exile of Mohammed V to Corsica and Madagascar, the struggle continued with a series of uprisings and battles across the country. Events like the battles of Anwal and Al-Hari demonstrated the populace’s commitment to resisting foreign domination. These struggles were symbolic of a deep-seated desire for freedom that couldn’t be extinguished.
**Interviewer:** The August 20, 1953 uprising is noted as a significant moment for Moroccan unity. Can you elaborate on its impact?
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** Absolutely. The August 20 uprising ignited a critical phase in the movement for independence. It was a unifying moment that showcased the collective resolve of the Moroccan people to stand behind their king. It was not just about the monarchy; it represented the entire nation’s collective will against colonization. The legacy of this uprising has inspired generations, reminding them of the sacrifices made for freedom.
**Interviewer:** Following Mohammed V’s return and the eventual end of the French protectorate in 1955, what were the immediate changes in Morocco?
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** His return was celebrated as a victory and was immediately followed by the establishment of an independent Morocco. This marked a shift towards reforms across different sectors, as the country sought to redefine itself post-colonization. Mohammed V famously stated that Morocco had moved from the “smaller jihad” to the ”larger jihad,” symbolizing a transition from fighting against colonialism to building a prosperous nation. This change laid the groundwork for shaping modern Morocco.
**Interviewer:** In reflection, how should Moroccans today honor the sacrifices of their predecessors during the struggle for independence?
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** It’s essential for contemporary Moroccans to remember and celebrate their rich history and the sacrifices made for independence. This involves educating the younger generations about the past and fostering a sense of national pride. By acknowledging our history, we not only honor our ancestors but also draw lessons that guide us in shaping a future characterized by unity, development, and resilience.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Mohandis, for your insights and for helping us reflect on this significant moment in Moroccan history.
**Dr. Al-Mohandis:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important subject.
