Morocco's King Mohammed VI has highlighted Morocco’s ongoing commitment to its sovereignty over the Sahara and honoured the Green March as a historic milestone in reclaiming and uniting the region with the rest of the country.

In his speech marking the 49th anniversary of the Green March, he emphasised that Morocco’s stance on the Sahara is rooted in principles of legality, justice, and national responsibility.

The King underscored three core elements of Morocco’s position on the Sahara:

1. Enduring Loyalty of the Sahrawis: The people of the Sahara have maintained a centuries-old allegiance to the monarchy, symbolizing their steadfast Moroccan identity.

2. Development and Stability in the Region: The Moroccan Sahara has seen considerable growth, increased security, and an optimistic outlook for its residents.

3. International Support for Moroccan Sovereignty: Recognition of the Sahara as part of Morocco is increasing globally, with growing support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as a viable political resolution.

The King also criticized outdated approaches to the Sahara conflict, such as the notion of a referendum, which has been abandoned by the United Nations as impractical.

He condemned those who deny the basic rights of the populations trapped in the Tindouf camps, where they suffer under inhumane conditions, and he reproached international actors who exploit the Sahara issue for their geopolitical goals, particularly those aiming to control access to the Atlantic.

King Mohammed VI stressed that Morocco remains committed to facilitating access for Sahel countries to the Atlantic Ocean through collaborative regional efforts.

He reiterated that Morocco’s national unity is non-negotiable and that its international partnerships are contingent on respect for its territorial integrity.

The King called on all Moroccans, especially those abroad, to remain actively engaged in defending the nation’s unity and promoting its development.