Morocco: 62 Anniversary Of The Revolution Of The King And The People – OpEd
On August 20 Moroccans will celebrate the 62th anniversary of the “Revolution of the King and the People”. in fact it commemorates the anniversary of the 1953 event that sparked a new stage in Morocco’s struggle for independence, which came two years later.
Exactly 62 years ago, the French Protectorate authorities decided to depose then-Sultan Mohamed V. He and his family were sent into exile, first to Corsica, then to Madagascar. The installation of a puppet sultan only further inflamed nationalist passions, and Mohamed V continued to militate for independence. His return to Morocco in 1955 announced the end of both the French and Spanish Protectorates.
62 years later and in a context of turmoil and instability post Arab Spring, Morocco continues to precipitate historic changes throughout the Maghreb. The culmination of nearly years of major constitutional transition Morocco has made toward democratization. A major political process that should serve as a model for other North African states as they attempt to evolve into true democracies.
The potential for economic development between many African states and Morocco and the opportunities now open for. Both economic and political intra-government decision-making might now benefit many countries in the region.
Other states in the Maghreb have much to learn from the Morocco experience, and can benefit by the example of King Mohammed’s political, economic, and religious reforms, which can provide new impetus to the whole region while improving opportunities for economic development and political reform.
Morocco is totally focused on economic development, job creation, educational reforms, and better living conditions for the Moroccans.
Finally, the list is far from exhaustive. This means that the road is still long and the battle is not over yet. The fight continues. Morocco has voiced its firm determination to tackle all sensitive issues that in the past were taboo. This is the real will of change and reform that has been initiated over the last 15 years. Morocco pledged to go ahead with key reforms not forgetting economic growth. Morocco has put forward an ambitious road map to attract more world investments. Highways, high speed trains, new ports and airports all are built and some are still under construction in order to boost investments and make Morocco an attractive investment hub.
King Mohammed IV recognizes that there are still serious challenges ahead, mostly economic but with his world acknowledged commitment and good will, he continues to tour the country (cities, towns and villages) to be close to the Moroccans and to listen directly to their demands. This has gained him the respect and esteem of many leaders in Africa and around the globe.
In a Royal message to the participants in the Crans Montana Forum held in Dakhla from March 12-14, King Mohammed VI stressed that, “Morocco’s African policy is based on a comprehensive, integrated and inclusive approach designed to promote peace and stability, encourage sustainable human development and safeguard the cultural and spiritual identity of our populations, while respecting the universal values of human rights.”
“Morocco has been working untiringly to help forge a modern, bold, entrepreneurial and open Africa; an African continent which is proud of its identity, which derives its vibrancy from its cultural heritage and which is capable of transcending outdated ideologies,” he said.
The King acknowledged that “the borders inherited from colonization often continue to be a major source of tension and conflict,” and that “Africa is a continent with growing and unsettling security issues”; but he stressed that “Africa’s tremendous human and natural resources should, instead, be a powerful catalyst for regional integration,” and urged that “It is up to us — Africans — to innovate in order to turn them into open spaces where fruitful exchange and interaction can flourish between African states.”
Now Morocco has become one of the world potential investments hubs but a lot of work is still need to be done. Many acknowledge that with a reform-minded leader Morocco can win the bet of becoming a well developed nation. The King Mohammed VI came to the throne with new ideas and the will to make of Morocco an example for the rest of the Arab world when it comes to human rights, openness, individual freedom and reforms. So the revolution of the King and People will proceed calmly to reach a better future.
