From Mohammed V to Mohammed VI… Independence Day is a lesson for all generations
Every year, on November 18, Moroccans proudly raise the flag of independence, not only as a remembrance of a past date but as a daily renewal of an unwavering national will. Independence Day is not merely a festive occasion; it is a symbol of resilience, determination, and unity between the king and the people—a lasting bond, the heartbeat of Morocco, written in the blood of the activists and the king’s belief in the legitimacy of the people and their right to freedom.
The story of independence begins with the exile of Mohammed V and his triumphant return in 1955. The victory over colonialism was not just a political deal; it was a manifestation of the people’s will and the king’s astuteness. There was no separation between the two powers; the bond between the king and the people was integrated, hand in hand, heart to heart, as the nation claimed its independence and built a new state based on sovereignty, dignity, and freedom. The Moroccans wrote, in the mountains, cities, and exiles, a chapter of true struggle, asserting that independence is not granted but seized, and that sovereignty is a permanent right that cannot be negotiated.
The reign of Hassan II, may he rest in peace, extended this historic project. His era did not only preserve the gains of independence but also engineered the modern Moroccan state. Under his leadership, institutions were established, the state solidified, and military, economic, and diplomatic power strengthened. Hassan II faced the region’s storms, protecting Morocco from coups and wars, proving that independence is not a fleeting event but a continuous path requiring state strength and wise leadership.
Today, with King Mohammed VI, Morocco is experiencing a second independence; freedom from economic dependency and fragility, and liberation from stagnation that hindered the country’s development. Just as Mohammed V liberated the land and Hassan II built the state, Mohammed VI today is liberating Morocco’s capacities, establishing a comprehensive sovereignty: economic sovereignty through strategic industries, energetic sovereignty through major projects, and border, security, diplomatic, and developmental sovereignty that places the citizen at the center of decision-making.
Major projects, advanced infrastructures, and economic and social transformations all affirm that Morocco today is a cohesive power, a nation standing on its own, and a throne that unites with the people in an unbeatable bond.
Therefore, Independence Day is not just a memory; it is a living lesson for all generations: Morocco’s strength lies in its people and its throne together, in the continued building and renewal, and in the spirit of November 18 that emphasizes that independence is not a single historical moment, but an ongoing journey and a constant path that renews itself every day.
