Morocco Commemorates 50th Anniversary of Green March

Morocco marked the 50th anniversary of the Green March with nationwide celebrations, highlighting its claim over Western Sahara amid a UN Security Council resolution supporting Morocco’s autonomy plan.

Moroccans across the kingdom and in the disputed territory of Western Sahara marked the 50th anniversary of the Green March on Thursday, celebrating the mass demonstration that prompted Spain to cede control of the region and facilitated Morocco’s subsequent takeover.

Festivities took place nationwide and in Western Sahara’s largest city, Laayoune, with parades, cultural events, and community gatherings. In Oued Roumane, a district of Salé near the capital Rabat, local NGOs, youth groups, and sports associations marched along the main avenue waving Moroccan flags. Children carried portraits of the late King Hassan II, who led the original march, alongside images of his son, King Mohammed VI.

“Long live the King. The Sahara is Moroccan and here we are celebrating from our hearts,” said Khadija Guerouaj, joining a crowd of singing and dancing women during the celebrations.

The Green March, which took place in 1975, saw hundreds of thousands of Moroccan civilians and soldiers cross into Spanish-controlled Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich desert territory, in a show of force that ultimately persuaded General Francisco Franco to relinquish control. Morocco considers the march a historic step toward ending colonial rule.

However, the status of Western Sahara remains disputed. The Polisario Front, operating from refugee camps in southwestern Algeria, claims to represent the Sahrawi people, the region’s indigenous population, and views Morocco’s presence as a continuation of colonial occupation. The group continues to advocate for a self-determination referendum that includes the option of independence.

This year’s anniversary carried added significance following a United Nations Security Council resolution last week describing Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara as “a most feasible solution,” the first time the council has used such language in a formal resolution.

“I thank all those involved, everyone who organised this celebration and everyone behind the UN resolution,” said demonstrator Said Housni, expressing support for the diplomatic development. King Mohammed VI hailed the resolution as a diplomatic victory for Morocco, reinforcing the country’s stance on the territory.

While celebrations highlighted national pride and historic achievement, tensions persist as the Polisario Front vows to continue its struggle for Sahrawi self-determination. The Green March remains a powerful symbol of Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara, reflecting both national identity and ongoing regional contention.