{"id":11286,"date":"2025-12-11T17:13:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T17:13:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/?p=11286"},"modified":"2025-12-11T17:13:18","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T17:13:18","slug":"18-november-commemorating-the-dawn-of-moroccos-independence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cafrad.io\/en\/18-november-commemorating-the-dawn-of-moroccos-independence\/","title":{"rendered":"18 November: Commemorating the Dawn of Morocco\u2019s Independence"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Every year on 18 November, Morocco adorns itself in red and green to celebrate one of the most significant events in its contemporary history: Independence Day. More than just a public holiday, this date symbolizes the end of a long chapter of struggle and the beginning of a proud and ancient nation\u2019s regained sovereignty.<\/p>\n

Historical Context: From Protectorate to Liberation<\/strong><\/p>\n

To grasp the importance of 18 November, one must go back to 30 March 1912, the date of the signing of the Treaty of Fez, which placed Morocco under a protectorate regime divided between French and Spanish influence. For 44 years, the Moroccan people\u2014under the enlightened leadership of the Alaouite royal family and a growing nationalist movement\u2014continued to resist and assert their right to self-determination.<\/p>\n

The turning point came with the exile of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Youssef, the future King Mohammed V, in 1953. Intended to break the momentum of the independence movement, the decision had the opposite effect. It rallied the people even more strongly around their Sovereign, who became the living symbol of resistance and national unity. Popular pressure, combined with diplomatic and armed struggle, eventually made the situation untenable for the colonial power.<\/p>\n

18 November 1955: The Triumphant Return and the Historic Announcement<\/strong><\/p>\n

On 16 November 1955, after two years of exile in Corsica and later Madagascar, Sultan Mohammed V and his family returned triumphantly to the country, greeted by jubilant crowds. In people\u2019s hearts, this event already marked the nation\u2019s victory.<\/p>\n

It was two days later, on 18 November 1955, that history was formally written. In a speech from the royal palace, Mohammed V solemnly announced the end of the protectorate and the dawn of Morocco\u2019s independence. He notably declared that the country was embarking on the path of \u201cbuilding a democratic and modern state, founded on constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary system.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although the date did not mark the signing of an official agreement, it sealed Morocco\u2019s political and moral victory. It represented the culmination of the sacrifices made by an entire people and the restoration of the nation\u2019s full sovereignty.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s Celebrations: Pride, Memory, and Youth<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today, 18 November is a day of national rejoicing infused with solemnity. Across the Kingdom, celebrations take various forms:<\/p>\n