The Revolution’s anniversary is an important event that Moroccans commemorate proudly every year, an occasion to remember and pay tribute to the struggle led by the late King Mohammed V against the French occupation, and to those who sacrificed their lives in order to free their country from colonial rule.

August 20th 1953 remains an unforgettable day in the Moroccan memory, a moment that illustrates the Holy Communion between the Throne and the people. The Revolution began when the colonial residence surrounded the Royal palace and enjoined the legitimate Sultan Mohamed V, under threat of arms, to surrender or be exiled.

To the dismay of the colonial power, this event contributed to strengthen the domestic front in Morocco and the unity of Moroccans behind their legitimate Sultan.

After two years, this victorious revolution succeeded in freeing the country from the yoke and tutelage of the French Protectorate, paving the way for the advent of the era of freedom and independence.

Throughout this period, the Moroccan people were sincere and loyal, imbued with the spirit of the legitimate struggle led by the King Mohammed V. They vigorously and unanimously rejected what the colonizers tried to impose upon them. Moroccans chose to stay true to their convictions and continue their struggle for the liberation of their country and the return of the Sultan who embodied the unity of the nation and epitomized its religious values.

Faced with the rise of armed resistance from the National Liberation Army and an unprecedented increase of its operations throughout this country, the colonial authorities were forced to accept dialogue and open negotiations with the nationalists. Through their dedication, the latter precipitated the triumphal return of the legitimate sovereign Mohammed V and the declaration of the independence of Morocco.

In a vain attempt to break the unity of the Moroccan people and sow the seeds of ethnic and religious dissension, the colonial authorities promulgated a Dahir called "Berber" in 1930. However, the Moroccans, through their unwavering attachement to the Alawite Throne the ideals of freedom and dignity, faced with courage and bravery this conspiracy, reviving the national conscience and strengthening the patriotic action of the nationalist movement, which defined its clear position and resolutely turned towards the future by submitting reforms claims in 1934.

This national action has barely begun to take shape that the colonial authorities took repressive measures which caused many victims among nationalists. The nationalist movement grew to become truly a historic turning point.

By presenting the Manifesto of Independence, January 11, 1944, the nationalist movement marked the activism he had committed under the leadership of Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef and aroused great interest at the national, Arabic and international levels.

Keen to ensure the unity of Morocco and demonstrate the commitment of his people, late His Majesty Mohammed V, may God bless his soul, began April 9, 1947 a historic visit to the city of Tangiers, symbolic and courageous move, defying the colonizer and expressing the attachment of Morocco, King and people, to its territorial integrity, its values and its national identity.

This historic visit caused tension between the Palace and Residence General and revealed the position of the colonial authorities which was against the legitimate aspirations of the King and people.

The Protectorate authorities took advantage from the events of December 1952, following the assassination of the Tunisian unionist militant Farhat Hachad, to send activists and leaders of the nationalist movement to jails or condemn them to exile.

In 1953, the French colonial authorities exiled the Alaouite royal family after the Late King Mohammed V -grandfather of king Mohammed VI- refused to sign decrees consecrating French domination over Morocco.

This anniversary is an opportunity to look back at the achievements of the three monarchs who led the country through the different stages of its history, namely, late Mohammed V and Hassan II, and the current king Mohammed VI.

It is also an occasion to hail the efforts and sacrifices of the Moroccan people, who offered lives and money to achieve the independence of the country and subsequently to place it amongst the democratic, modern, moderate and open countries.

-News on Western Sahara issue/ Corcas-