Latest news with #GreenMarch
Ya Biladi
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
King Mohammed VI calls for renewed dialogue with Algeria on throne anniversary
On the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI delivered a national address Tuesday evening, marked by a notable overture to Algeria and a call to turn the page on strained bilateral relations. «I have expressed Morocco's readiness for an open and responsible dialogue, a fraternal and sincere conversation addressing the various outstanding issues between our two nations», the monarch said. «Our unwavering commitment to reaching out to our Algerian brothers reflects our deep belief in the unity of our peoples and our shared ability to rise above this regrettable situation». The King also reiterated Morocco's support for regional integration. «We reaffirm our commitment to the Maghreb Union, convinced that it cannot be achieved without the joint participation of Morocco and Algeria, alongside the other brotherly nations». This marks the first time the Moroccan sovereign has directly responded to Algeria's attempts to promote a Maghreb vision that excludes the kingdom, a project that has yet to take shape. A Renewed Hand in a Changing Landscape While King Mohammed VI has previously extended calls for «frank dialogue with our Algerian brothers», most notably during the Green March speech on November 6, 2018, the regional and global context has since shifted dramatically. Morocco has seen significant economic progress in recent years, which the King highlighted in the first part of his speech. At the same time, Rabat has consolidated international support for its autonomy plan for Western Sahara, with three permanent members of the UN Security Council—the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—backing the proposal. The Moroccan position continues to gain traction across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. In contrast, Algeria's regional influence has receded since 2018, and it finds itself increasingly isolated diplomatically. King Mohammed VI used the occasion to thank the governments of the United Kingdom and Portugal for their support of the Moroccan initiative first proposed in 2007. «These positions in favor of justice and legitimacy bring us great pride», he said. «They encourage us to continue working toward a consensual solution, one that safeguards the dignity of all parties, without winners or losers».
Ammon
a day ago
- Business
- Ammon
Jordan-Morocco ties set a benchmark for Arab unity, Says Envoy
Ammon News - Moroccan Ambassador to Jordan Fouad Akhrif praised the deep-rooted and exemplary relations between Jordan and Morocco, calling them a model for Arab cooperation and political alignment. He attributed this strength to the mutual understanding and shared vision between His Majesty King Abdullah II and King Mohammed VI. On the 26th anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne, Akhrif highlighted the continuous coordination between the two countries, particularly on major regional issues such as the ongoing war on Gaza and the broader Palestinian question. He described the bilateral relationship as grounded in historic solidarity and familial ties, with foundations laid by the late King Hussein Bin Talal and King Hassan II, and elevated in recent decades through strategic collaboration initiated by their successors. One of the most notable milestones, he said, was King Abdullah's 2019 visit to Morocco, which paved the way for expanded cooperation. Akhrif revealed that over 120 bilateral agreements are currently in place, covering sectors ranging from renewable energy and agriculture to tourism and vocational training. He noted ongoing efforts to broaden this strategic partnership with concrete projects and experience-sharing in sectors like construction, water management, and food industries. The anticipated meeting of the Joint High Commission, he added, will further institutionalize this growing cooperation. On the economic front, both countries are focused on unlocking greater trade and investment potential under a favorable legal framework. Akhrif pointed to the strategic locations of Jordan and Morocco as a major advantage and extended an open invitation to business leaders in both countries to explore the opportunities. Plans are also underway to host a joint economic forum in Morocco in the coming months, in partnership with the Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Morocco's General Confederation of Enterprises. This forum is expected to inject momentum into bilateral economic ties. The ambassador also announced the expected resumption of direct flights between Casablanca and Amman in the coming weeks, a step he said would enhance commercial, tourism, and human exchange, and respond to longstanding demand from both Moroccan and Jordanian communities, as well as other regional travelers. Cultural and educational exchange continues to be a cornerstone of the relationship, dating back to the 1970s. Many students from both nations have graduated from each other's universities and gone on to assume leadership roles, reinforcing shared understanding and people-to-people ties. He also referenced Jordan's support for Morocco's sovereignty, particularly through its participation in the 1975 Green March and the opening of its consulate in Laayoune in 2021, underscoring the strength of bilateral solidarity. Akhrif reiterated Morocco's support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a return to negotiations as the only viable path to lasting peace. He called for halting military escalation, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid access, protecting civilians in the West Bank, and implementing the reconstruction roadmap agreed at the recent Arab summit in Cairo under Palestinian leadership and international supervision. He concluded by reaffirming the identical positions of Jordan and Morocco on Palestine, stressing that true regional stability depends on a two-state solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Petra
Morocco World
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Architect of Modern Morocco: Commemorating Hassan II's Passing Away
Rabat — Morocco pauses today to honor King Hassan II, a monarch who died 26 years ago but whose influence still echoes through the country's palaces and villages. They called him the architect of the Green March, the dam builder, the nation unifier. But Hassan II was something more — a King who bet everything on his people's courage and won. From exile to crown The late King Hassan II's story begins not with royal ceremonies, but with defeat, as he watched French colonizers strip his father, King Mohammed V, of power in 1953. Twenty-four years after his birth on July 19, 1929, the young prince found himself in exile — first on the Mediterranean island of Corsica, then in distant Madagascar. Most young men might have despaired. Hassan turned exile into opportunity, as he became his father's voice to the world, his diplomat in exile, and his bridge to freedom. When negotiations brought Mohammed V back to Morocco in 1955, Hassan had already proven himself indispensable. Independence arrived in 1956, and Hassan rose quickly through the ranks. The army made him Chief of Staff in 1957, then Commander-in-Chief. His father named him Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister. When Mohammed V died suddenly in 1961, Hassan stepped into power as the 17th ruler of the Alaouite dynasty. A Kingdom under pressure The early 1960s tested Hassan II like fire tests steel. With student riots in the streets, assassins' plots against his life, the new nation threatened to fragment before it could truly form. King Hassan II's response revealed his character, as he didn't just crush opposition — he channeled it. In 1962, the Late King gave Morocco its first constitution, creating a constitutional monarchy with multiple political parties. He launched massive infrastructure projects, including major strategies of dams that tamed rivers, mines that extracted wealth from mountains, and schools that educated a generation. The Late King understood that unity required more than force. He genuinely promoted rural development and brought Morocco's diverse ethnic groups into a unified national conversation, building a modern state while honoring ancient traditions. The diplomat King Hassan II possessed a rare gift for international relations. He championed Arab and Islamic causes, chairing the Al-Quds Committee and hosting Islamic summits in Morocco. Yet he also cultivated friendships with Western powers, navigating Cold War tensions with remarkable skill. His greatest diplomatic achievement came in the Middle East. The Late King secretly hosted meetings between Egyptian and Israeli leaders, laying groundwork for President Anwar Sadat's groundbreaking 1977 visit to Jerusalem. He welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres to Morocco, proving that dialogue could bridge even the deepest divides. The night that changed everything The most dramatic moment of the Late King Hassan II's reign began on a summer night in 1975. Spain planned to abandon the Western Sahara, but first wanted to hold a referendum on the territory's future. Morocco objected, arguing that historical ties bound the region to the country long before Spanish colonization. The International Court of Justice agreed that some Sahrawi tribes had sworn allegiance to Moroccan sultans. But legal victories meant little without popular support. The Late Hassan II later described the moment inspiration struck. Lying awake one night, he envisioned something unprecedented: a peaceful march of ordinary Moroccans into the disputed territory. Not an army invasion, but a human wave carrying green flags and Qurans to take back the country's legitimate territory. On October 16, 1975, Hassan addressed his nation: 'We must march from the north of Morocco to its south, and from the east of Morocco to its west. My dear people, we must move as one man, in order and discipline, to join the Sahara and reunite with our brothers in the Sahara.' The response overwhelmed everyone's expectations. From cities and villages across Morocco, 350,000 volunteers registered for the march, with one in ten being women. Families prepared to walk into the desert to claim their country's territory. November 5, 1975, brought Hassan's most famous speech, broadcast live across Morocco: 'Tomorrow, God willing, you will cross the border. Tomorrow, God willing, the Green March will begin. Tomorrow, God willing, you will tread upon a land that is yours, touch the sands that are yours, and embrace a land that is part of your dear homeland.' The Green March succeeded beyond Hassan's dreams, as Moroccans crossed peacefully into the Western Sahara, Spain withdrew, and Morocco reclaimed territory it considered its own. The march became a national holiday, its memory burned into Moroccan consciousness. But victory came with costs. The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria and Libya, launched a guerrilla war that lasted decades. The Late King Hassan II worked toward peace, agreeing to a 1991 ceasefire and supporting UN efforts to resolve the dispute through referendum. A King's final gift Hassan II died on July 23, 1999, after 38 years on the throne. His eldest son Mohammed smoothly ascended as King Mohammed VI, ensuring dynastic continuity and maintaining national stability. The numbers tell part of Hassan II's story, but his true legacy lives in Morocco's character. He took a newly independent nation and forged it into a modern state that honors its past while embracing its future. Hassan II once said, 'Le style, c'est l'homme' — style makes the man. His style combined ancient royal dignity with modern pragmatism, Islamic faith with global engagement, and firm authority with gradual democratization. Twenty-six years after his death, Hassan II's Morocco continues evolving. But the foundation he laid — unified, modernizing, proud of its heritage yet open to the world — remains as solid as the Atlas Mountains themselves. In the end, Hassan II's greatest achievement was not the Green March or the dams or the diplomatic breakthroughs. It was transforming a collection of tribes and regions into a nation that believes in itself. That belief, more than any monument, ensures his memory will endure. Tags: King Hassan IIlate King Hassan IIMorocco
Morocco World
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spain Reinforces Military Presence in Ceuta and Melilla
Spain has reportedly increased its military presence in the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, deploying additional troops and armored units under the pretext of 'surveillance and deterrence.' The move comes in parallel with growing grassroots momentum in Morocco to revive the national demand for the liberation of both enclaves. Spain's Ministry of Defense recently announced the deployment of the Ceuta Tactical Group and troops from the Alcantara 10th Cavalry Regiment in Melilla. The operation – part of what Madrid calls 'Operation Presence – Surveillance and Deterrence,' reportedly includes patrols, reconnaissance missions, and control measures across both cities. Spanish media noted that the latest military maneuvers coincided with a major cyberattack that has disrupted administrative services in Melilla for over a week. Cybercriminals reportedly demanded a ransom, further complicating the situation in the city. While Spain's armed forces frame their deployments as a response to 'strategic risks' in the region, analysts note the timing coincides with the resurgence of Moroccan mobilization around Ceuta and Melilla. The Ceuta Tactical Group, part of the Spanish Army's Land Operational Command, reportedly includes units such as the 54th Regulares Group and the 2nd 'Duke of Alba' Tercio of the Spanish Legion — both remnants of colonial era formations that were originally created to suppress resistance in northern Morocco and maintain Spanish control over its former protectorate. The escalation follows the formation, in late 2024, of the Committee for the Liberation of Ceuta and Melilla, created by nearly 100 Moroccan civil society associations. The committee, established in Beni-Enzar, a town in Nador province in Northeastern Morocco, aims to reactivate Morocco's historic claims over the two territories. While Spain relies on a military approach in the enclaves, voices in Morocco stress the need to advance the question of sovereignty through legal, diplomatic, and civil society channels. The reactivation of national efforts marks a turning point in the long-standing call to end colonial presence in North Africa. Spanish media have increasingly voiced alarm over mounting international pressure surrounding the future of Ceuta and Melilla. Recent reports speculate that United States President Donald Trump — who had recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara — may extend similar recognition to the two enclaves. In response to growing speculation, Spain had downplayed any suggestion of territorial instability. Ceuta's regional president, Juan Jesus Vivas, joined Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno in firmly rejecting claims that Morocco may organize a new 'Green March' toward the city. Speaking at a policy forum in Madrid, Vivas insisted that Ceuta's Spanish identity was rooted in law, history, and the will of its residents, adding that there was 'not the slightest risk' of such an event materializing. Legacy of occupation Ceuta and Melilla are two coastal enclaves located on the northern shores of Morocco. Though geographically in North Africa, both are under Spanish control and classified by Madrid as autonomous cities, enjoying a similar administrative status to Spain's mainland regions. Spain has occupied Ceuta since 1580 – after inheriting it from Portugal – and Melilla since 1497, making them among the oldest European colonial outposts on the African continent. Morocco does not officially recognise Spanish sovereignty over the two enclaves and has consistently demanded their return, viewing them as remnants of colonialism that violate the country's territorial integrity. From the Spanish perspective, Ceuta and Melilla are integral parts of its nation — a stance strongly upheld by all major political parties. The Spanish Constitution and European Union laws are fully applied there, although neither city is part of the EU's customs union or Schengen area. The cities are home to permanent Spanish military bases, and both borders are heavily fortified with fences, surveillance systems, and security forces. Spain justifies this militarization on the grounds of migration control, counterterrorism, and 'border integrity.'
Ya Biladi
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Sahara : Polisario fires five projectiles on Es-Smara
On Friday, June 27, armed militias of the Polisario launched five missiles on the city of Es-Smara. «The projectiles caused no casualties or material damage. They landed a few kilometers from the Rbite neighborhood, prompting an immediate state of alert across the city», a Moroccan security source told Yabiladi. A media outlet affiliated with the Polisario claimed there were «explosions at Moroccan military positions in Es-Smara». The attack comes just 48 hours after a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization. The last Polisario attack targeting civilians in Morocco dates back to November 8, 2024, in Al Mahbes. On that day, four projectiles were fired near tents sheltering Sahrawi civilians celebrating the 49th anniversary of the Green March. No casualties were reported.
