Moroccans across the country, particularly veterans of the resistance and the Army of Liberation, commemorated on Monday the 56th anniversary of the recovery of Sidi Ifni from Spanish colonial rule — a major milestone in Morocco’s long march toward full independence and territorial unity.
The landmark date, June 30, 1969, marks the official evacuation of colonial forces from the southern city of Sidi Ifni, which had long been a symbol of resistance against foreign occupation. The anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the Moroccan people, especially the Aït Baamrane tribes, who led heroic resistance efforts to defend the nation’s sovereignty and uphold its unity.
In a commemorative statement, the High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Members of the Army of Liberation recalled widespread uprisings across Morocco following the imposition of the 1912 Protectorate Treaty, emphasizing the unwavering national demand for freedom and independence.
The Aït Baamrane region, the statement noted, played a crucial role in the national liberation movement by supplying weapons and ammunition to the northern resistance and actively participating in the “King and People’s Revolution.” Sidi Ifni also served as a hub for organizing and training members of the resistance and liberation army, producing legendary fighters whose names remain etched in Morocco’s national memory.
The High Commission highlighted the significant contribution of the region to the launch of the southern liberation campaign in 1956, which aimed to liberate Morocco’s southern provinces still under Spanish rule. This campaign culminated in the liberation of Tarfaya in 1958 and the eventual handover of Sidi Ifni in 1969 following the Franco-Spanish military operation “Ecouvillon.”
The statement also referenced the historic speech of King Mohammed V in February 1958 at Mhamid El Ghizlane, in which he reaffirmed Morocco’s determination to recover its southern territories. This royal commitment laid the groundwork for future triumphs, including the peaceful and historic Green March of November 1975, masterminded by King Hassan II, which led to the reintegration of the rest of Morocco’s southern provinces.
King Hassan II’s visit to Sidi Ifni in 1972 further cemented the symbolic and strategic importance of the city. During the visit, the King praised the local population’s patriotism and expressed gratitude for being able to complete his father’s legacy as the second monarch to restore this land to the national fold.
The recovery of Sidi Ifni, the Commission stated, was not the end but rather the beginning of a broader national project to reclaim all Moroccan lands under foreign control. It ultimately culminated in the raising of the Moroccan flag in Laayoune on February 28, 1976, marking the full withdrawal of Spanish forces and the end of colonial rule in the Sahara.
Today, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco continues to deepen its development agenda in the southern provinces. These regions are being transformed into regional growth hubs, driven by investments, infrastructure development, and political reforms as part of the broader national model of advanced regionalization. The aim is to position the southern provinces as vital connectors between Morocco, Sub-Saharan Africa, and global markets.
In this spirit, the resistance family renews its steadfast commitment to defending Morocco’s territorial integrity and supporting the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco for the southern provinces — a proposal hailed internationally as a serious, credible, and realistic solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.
To honor this milestone, the High Commission organized a commemorative festival and public gathering in Sidi Ifni, including the awarding of financial assistance and honorary recognitions to veterans and families of the resistance movement. Additional events are taking place across the country in 105 historical memory spaces, featuring lectures, forums, and exhibitions shedding light on Morocco’s liberation legacy.
The anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but a reaffirmation of national unity, resilience, and the ongoing collective commitment to building a prosperous and sovereign Morocco from Tangier to Lagouira.
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