On March 10, 2025, Morocco commemorates the 66th anniversary of King Mohammed V’s passing, recognizing his key role in the country’s independence. His reign during the French protectorate and the subsequent independence movement were marked by crucial events, including the Independence Manifesto and his strategic leadership during World War II. His legacy continues to shape Morocco’s identity as a modern state.
On March 10, 2025, Moroccans solemnly commemorate the 66th anniversary of King Mohammed V’s passing, recognizing his pivotal role in the nation’s independence. King Mohammed V, who died on February 26, 1961, just four years after Morocco achieved independence, significantly influenced the political landscape of the country.
Born on August 10, 1909, in Fez, Mohammed Ben Youssef became Sultan in 1927 as the third son of Sultan Moulay Youssef. His reign was marked by significant events, especially during the French protectorate period that began with the 1912 Treaty of Fez.
A crucial moment in the independence struggle occurred on January 11, 1944, when the Independence Manifesto was presented, emphasizing the collaboration between the throne, the national movement, and the populace. This unity was further demonstrated when the Sultan publicly demanded independence in a speech delivered in Tangier on April 10, 1947.
The period also saw Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech, forming a coalition with French General Alphonse Juin in a failed coup against the Sultan. In response to the demands for independence, Moroccan authorities exiled Mohammed V and his family in August 1953, first to Corsica and later to Madagascar. This exile inadvertently fueled more popular uprisings against colonialism.
Mohammed V returned in triumph on November 16, 1955, leading to Morocco’s independence declaration in 1956. He was officially proclaimed King in August 1957, heralding a new era for Morocco. During World War II, he strategically navigated relationships with France while safeguarding the interests of his people, notably opposing Vichy anti-Jewish laws in Morocco.
His participation in the Anfa and Casablanca conferences with U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt opened opportunities for Morocco, and he rejected a 1943 proposal for a joint protectorate, emphasizing Morocco’s ultimate aim of complete independence. After independence, he prioritized the development of a modern state rooted in democratic values. His death in Rabat in 1961 heralded the end of a significant era, with his son Hassan II ascending to the throne.
Today’s commemorative events not only honor King Mohammed V’s legacy but also highlight the essential collaboration between the monarchy and the national movement that fostered Morocco’s transition from a protectorate to a sovereign nation.
The 66th anniversary of King Mohammed V’s death serves as a poignant reminder of his leadership in Morocco’s independence and the lasting impact of his legacy. His strategic decisions during critical historical moments, along with the united efforts of the Moroccan people and monarchy, played a vital role in achieving sovereignty and fostering a democratic state. This commemoration underscores Morocco’s significant transformation and the unwavering spirit of its independence movement.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
