A Quarter Century of King Mohammed VI’s Reign: Abdou Hakki

Agadir24

As Morocco celebrates the anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s accession to the throne, the country stands proudly and confidently as a beacon of progress and emerging power in both the Arab region and the African continent. Over the past 25 years, Morocco has witnessed major transformations, crowned with notable achievements in various sectors, including human rights, industries, health coverage, social protection, sports, international relations, etc.

What are the prominent milestones achieved during the reign of King Mohammed VI and what are the promising prospects awaiting the Moroccan people?

First, the field of human rights has been one of the most important areas of progress during the reign of King Mohammed VI. Since assuming power in 1999, he has taken the initiative to support many reforms aimed at strengthening civil liberties and advancing the culture of human rights in all its demands and levels, especially the establishment of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission.

In 2004, Morocco passed the Family Code, a pioneering reform of family law in the Maghreb and Arab world that significantly improved women’s rights. This legal framework addressed issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance, and gave women greater independence and protection. The creation of the National Human Rights Council reinforced Morocco’s commitment to human rights as they are internationally recognized, providing special institutions such as the Ombudsman to address grievances and promote human rights education.

Moreover, King Mohammed VI has been a staunch advocate of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. The 2011 Constitution explicitly recognized the Jewish community as part of Morocco’s cultural fabric, a testament to the country’s pluralistic approach. These initiatives have positioned Morocco as a model for human rights progress in the Arab world.

Morocco’s industrial sector has seen remarkable growth and diversification under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. The launch of the Industrial Acceleration Plan in 2014 aimed to boost industrial production and create jobs. This strategic initiative focused on key sectors such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, textiles and agro-industry.

The automotive industry in particular has seen significant growth, with Morocco becoming an international hub for vehicle and smart vehicle manufacturing. The establishment of production plants by global giants such as Renault, Peugeot in Tangier, Kenitra and Casablanca has not only boosted industrial output but also created thousands of jobs. The Tangier Med port, one of the largest in Africa, has also strengthened Morocco’s position as a major logistics and trade hub.

In addition to industrial growth, Morocco has also invested in renewable energy. The Noor Ouarzazate solar complex, one of the largest solar power plants in the world, embodies Morocco’s commitment to sustainable, environmentally friendly development. By leveraging its geographical advantages and investing in green technologies, Morocco aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and establish itself as a leader in renewable energy.