On the 67th anniversary of his death, the kingdom remembers the key decisions taken for independence and the beginning of modern state building.

Rabat – This 10th Ramadan, Morocco marks the 67th anniversary of the death of King Mohammed V. The monarch, who died on February 26, 1961, plays a key role in national historiography, as his reign is inextricably linked to the end of the French and Spanish protectorates and the restoration of state sovereignty.

Historical milestones on the path to sovereignty

The path to independence was characterized by strategic stages. After the presentation of the Independence Manifesto on January 11, 1944, the historic Tangier Speech on April 10, 1947 marked a turning point. For the first time, the then Sultan publicly called for the country’s independence, which massively increased the political pressure on the colonial authorities. The subsequent deterioration in conditions led to the monarch’s forced deportation to Corsica and later Madagascar in August 1953.

Exile as a catalyst for national unity

The colonial power’s strategy of weakening resistance by removing the Sultan turned out to be a miscalculation. Instead, exile strengthened solidarity between the throne and the national movement. This dynamic resulted in the triumphant return of Mohammed V on November 16, 1955 and the official declaration of independence in 1956.

Continuity and transformation among the successors

After the liberation, Mohammed V initiated the transition to a modern constitutional state. This legacy of consolidation was continued by King Hassan II and today forms the basis for the comprehensive economic and social reform projects under King Mohammed VI, who is increasingly leading Morocco into international modernity.