On the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Green March, King Mohammed VI firmly reiterated Morocco’s position on the Sahara, qualifying its Moroccanness as an irrevocable truth. In a clear speech, the Sovereign called on the United Nations to take their responsibilities by highlighting the great difference between two paradigms: the one embodied by Morocco in its Sahara, realistic and legitimate, and the one which is based on a sclerotic, cut-off vision. of the real world and its developments
On the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Green March, King Mohammed VI delivered a landmark speech, strengthening the Moroccan position on the Sahara while reiterating the Kingdom’s commitments to inclusive development and lasting stability in the region. “This speech, much more than a simple reminder of principles, was a strategic affirmation of the historical, political and economic links which cement Moroccan unity around the question of the Sahara. The Sovereign, by adopting a firm and visionary stance, was able to touch both Moroccan citizens and the international community, recalling that “the Moroccanness of the Sahara is an intangible truth, anchored in history and legitimacy” “tells Hespress Fr the professor of economic, social and political sciences at the Mohammed V University of Rabat, Dr Talal Cherkaoui.
Historical legitimacy
“In a poignant speech, King Mohammed VI stressed that the attachment of the Sahrawis to their Moroccanness was not a new fact, but the reflection of an anchored historical link, symbolized by the “Beia”, the oath of allegiance of the Saharan tribes to the monarchs of the Kingdom”underlines Dr Cherkaoui. This historical dimension, “far from being a simple evocation of the past, embodied for the Sovereign the irrefutable proof that the territorial integrity of Morocco rests on solid foundations, difficult to contest. In this regard, the Royal speech transcended simple rhetoric to recall that the Moroccan Sahara was not only a question of territory, but an engine of development, stability and prosperity in the region.says the analyst. And to continue that “His Majesty also insisted on the growing international recognition of the autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty, described as “the only realistic solution” by many observers. This autonomy, already hailed as “realistic and sustainable”, refers according to the speech to the values of pragmatism which are the strength of the Moroccan position, contrasting with the obstinacy of certain parties to promote an unfeasible and obsolete referendum..
Call for United Nations accountability
The Sovereign, in his speech, launched a strong appeal to the international community, in particular to the United Nations, to take its responsibilities in resolving this issue and “take the necessary measures to resolve the situation”points out the analyst. “By reaffirming the legal and humanitarian nature of the issue, the Sovereign recalled the moral duty of the international community towards the Sahrawi populations, urging them to recognize the obvious distinction between the model of integration and development led by Morocco and the situation of manipulation and repression which persists in the Tindouf camps”notes the professor.
“In a clear message, King Mohammed VI stressed the importance of an independent and transparent census of the populations in these camps, where they live under humiliation and deprivation of their most fundamental rights. This reminder, by its direct nature, seeks not only to mobilize international attention but to highlight the human rights violations which, over the decades, have made the Tindouf camps a place of injustice and political exploitation. . Through this speech, Morocco therefore positions itself as a defender of human rights, calling on the international community to distance itself from fixed visions and political interests which persist in delaying a just and peaceful resolution..
The Mohammedia Foundation
Among the highlights of the Royal speech, the announcement of the creation of the Mohammedia Foundation for Moroccans living abroad (MRE) “constituted a strong gesture of recognition for this community, essential to the influence and defense of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom”said Dr. Cherkaoui. “The King expressed his deep respect for the patriotism of the MRE, stressing that it was a “strategic priority” for Morocco to facilitate their administrative procedures and encourage their investments in the country”.
By the Foundation, whose mandate will complement that of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad (CCME), “Morocco intends to structure actions in favor of MREs to meet the current needs of this dynamic diaspora. His Majesty also revealed that despite their patriotism, investments from the diaspora still represent only 10% of private investments in the Kingdom, a figure that he hopes to see increase thanks to the new administrative and judicial facilities that the Foundation could encourage. By consolidating the role of these Moroccans abroad as “ambassadors of Moroccanness”, Morocco aims to strengthen the synergy between the diaspora and the national territory, with a view to shared development and a reinforced contribution to the “national economy”.
African integration
Concluding his speech, King Mohammed VI broadened the geopolitical scope of his intervention by recalling the importance of the Rabat Process, a cooperation initiative for Atlantic African states, launched in 2022. “By positioning Morocco as a central actor in this regional cooperation, the Sovereign highlighted the issues of security, stability and prosperity for the Atlantic countries, in particular those of the Sahel, to which Morocco is proposing integration. direct economy to the Atlantic. This project aims to transform the region into a space of strategic connections between Africa and the Americas, while strengthening the economic sovereignty of the nations concerned. To this end, Morocco proposed the creation of a permanent secretariat based in Rabat, illustrating its desire to structure this cooperation and become the essential crossroads for regional integration and prosperity. By highlighting this initiative, the Royal speech showed that the Moroccan vision goes beyond the sole territorial question to become a proactive contribution to the stability of an entire continent. The Rabat Process thus embodies a desire for African leadership based on peace, progress and shared sovereignty”specifies Dr Cherkaoui.
And to conclude that “this speech by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, delivered in a context of national celebration, turned out to be much more than a simple commemoration: it was a masterful reaffirmation of the Moroccan position, consolidating the historical and legitimate bases of Moroccan Sahara, while calling for increased international responsibility. By recalling that “the Moroccan Sahara cannot be the object of bargaining”, the Sovereign demonstrated the inalterability of the Moroccan position, based on clear principles and an ambitious vision. This speech thus lays the foundations for a future where the Kingdom, firmly anchored in its history, aspires to inclusive development, strengthened cooperation with its diaspora and a pioneering role in African integration. By this statement, Morocco affirms its desire to contribute to an international order based on respect for human rights and the promotion of lasting stability, both for its territory and for the entire African region..
