Moroccans on Sunday commemorated the 26th anniversary of the death of King Hassan II, who ruled Morocco for nearly four decades and played a central role in the country’s modernization.
King Hassan II, who ascended the throne in 1961 and we commemorate the 26th anniversary of his death, spearheaded the economic development, political stability and territorial unity of the Kingdom of Morocco. During his reign, the country recovered key regions, including Sidi Ifni in 1969 and Oued Eddahab in 1979. His most iconic legacy is the peaceful Green March of 1975, when 350,000 Moroccans marched to assert their sovereignty over the Sahara, a defining moment in the history of Morocco.
This anniversary comes a few weeks before the 49th edition of the Green March. His approach to resolving the Sahara conflict through diplomacy and popular mobilization is considered a model of peaceful conflict resolution. Morocco also made notable progress in agriculture during the reign of King Hassan II, largely due to the “dam policy” he launched in 1966. Designed to develop water infrastructure and improve the agricultural sector , this program has proven vital in times of drought and water scarcity. Coupled with ambitious agricultural reforms, these initiatives position Morocco as a key player in global agriculture.
Beyond his contributions to economic growth, King Hassan II championed social policies aimed at improving the well-being of the Moroccan people. He promoted women’s rights, strengthened family institutions, developed social housing and worked for respect for human rights, while preserving the country’s strong Islamic, Arab and African identity. On the international scene, King Hassan II was known for his diplomatic acumen and leadership. He has played a critical role in major regional and international issues, including the Arab-Israeli conflict and UN peace missions.
Under his leadership, Morocco became a founding member of key organizations such as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to today’s African Union, and the Arab Maghreb Union. In 2022, King Hassan II’s contributions to Africa were further recognized when Ethiopia awarded him a posthumous Pan-African Prize for his efforts in decolonization and promoting Pan-Africanism.
RT/SF/ac/APA
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