Morocco’s King Mohammed VI delivers speech marking the 49th anniversary of Green March

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI used the anniversary of the Green March to deliver a speech in which he called on the United Nations to “assume their responsibility and clarify the great difference between the real world and the legal world, which Morocco represents in its Sahara, and between a petrified world, far from reality and its evolutions”.  He also stressed “the growing international recognition gained by the Moroccanness of the Sahara, in addition to the broad support for the autonomy initiative”. The speech also focused on Morocco’s development agenda and how it must benefit all citizens, regardless of location. “We must ensure that the fruits of progress and development benefit citizens in all regions of the country, from the Rif to the Sahara, from the Oriental to the Ocean,” he said, underlining the goal of inclusive growth. In his address, King Mohammed VI honored the legacy of the Green March and called on Moroccans to carry forward its spirit of resilience and dedication. “The sacrifices of the Green March generation call for greater mobilization and vigilance,” he said, emphasizing the need to consolidate Morocco’s progress in affirming the identity of the Sahara. Morocco also announced $40 million in development projects, a significant portion which, $32 million, is allocated to an extensive urban rehabilitation program in Guelmim and Bouizakarne, covering a total of 18 projects.