This key date in the annals of the History of the Kingdom is an opportunity to remember the heroic epic, which embodies the unwavering link between the Moroccan people and the glorious Alawite Throne in the struggle for the liberation of the country, the conquest of freedom, the recovery of independence and the completion of territorial integrity. The celebration of November 16 also constitutes an opportunity to highlight the noblest expressions of sincere patriotism, dedication to the defense of the constants of the nation and altruistic sacrifice, in the fight of the Moroccan people to put an end to the Protectorate imposed since March 30, 1912.
The exemplary symbiosis between Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef and his faithful people during this period, notably the Sovereign’s support for the demands for independence, His collaboration with the National Movement and His historic speech in Tangier, constitute strong moments on the path of the tireless fight of the Throne and the people for liberation. It was these acts of resistance which led the occupying forces to plot against the Sultan, by ordering His exile with the Royal Family, to Corsica in 1953, then to Madagascar in 1954. As soon as the decision was announced, the Moroccan people responded is raised en masse to express indignation and anger against foreign occupation. The beginnings of armed struggle and resistance were manifested with the formation of resistance cells and secret organizations, as well as the launching of heroic operations against colonialism, its interests and its objectives. This period will remain forever marked in the collective memory as an eloquent testimony to the determination of Moroccans to fight tirelessly for the reestablishment of legitimacy and the recovery of independence.
Thus, on November 18, 1955, the Father of the Nation, with the Crown Prince and companion in the struggle at His side, Late His Majesty Hassan IIdeclared: “We are delighted to be able to announce the end of the guardianship regime and the protectorate and the advent of an era of freedom and independence”, announcing, at the same time, that the Moroccan people are moving on from the battle from the “little Jihad” to that of the “great Jihad”. The triumphant return of His Majesty Mohammed V to the Kingdom, on November 16, 1955, will have marked a decisive turning point in the heroic journey of the Moroccan people, under the enlightened leadership of their Sovereign, towards freedom, dignity and independence, and their uninterrupted struggle against colonial occupation since 1912. This return illustrates in the most beautiful way the sincere patriotism for which the King and the people have made sacrifices and efforts, with a view to restoring the country to its grandeur and glory, thus allowing Moroccans to regain dignity and freedom while respecting the constants and sacred values of the Nation. The late His Majesty Hassan II, who succeeded the Liberator of the Nation, continued the work of building the country and completing territorial integrity, particularly through the recovery of the southern provinces thanks to the glorious Green March.
Today, under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VImay God help Him, Morocco continues the modernization project, putting at the forefront the defense of its territorial unity and the achievement of sustainable development which, guaranteeing each citizen a dignified life, places the Kingdom in the concert nations where the human element is at the heart of economic and social policies.
