Key quotes from King Mohammed VI’s exceptional address on the Sahara

In an exceptional address delivered on Friday, King Mohammed VI declared what he called a “decisive phase” in Morocco’s Sahara advocacy announcing that the Kingdom will update and submit its autonomy initiative as the sole framework for United Nations negotiations on the Sahara.

Below are the main quotes from the King’s address.

On sovereignty and the new phase

  After fifty years of sacrifices, and with the help and guidance of the Almighty, we are starting a new chapter in the process of consolidating the Moroccanness of the Sahara, and closing, once and for all, this fabricated conflict, within the framework of a consensual solution based on the Autonomy Initiative.

“This is a pivotal moment and a crucial turning point in the history of modern Morocco. There is a before October 31, 2025 era, and an after October 30.”

The time has come for a unified Morocco to emerge – from Tangier to Lagouira – a Morocco whose rights and historical borders would not be infringed upon by anyone.

On the UN process and autonomy initiative

As a result, two-thirds of UN Member States now consider the Autonomy Initiative to be the only framework for resolving this conflict.

In light of this UN resolution, Morocco will update and detail its Autonomy Initiative, then submit it to the United Nations to serve as the sole basis for negotiation, given that it is the only realistic, viable solution.

On international support

Recognition of the Kingdom’s economic sovereignty over the southern provinces has increased significantly, following the decisions made by major economic powers, such as the United States, France, Britain, Russia, Spain, and the European Union, to encourage investment and trade with these provinces.

I would like to mention, in particular, the United States of America, under the leadership of our friend His Excellency President Donald Trump, whose efforts have paved the way for a final settlement of this conflict.

I also wish to thank our friends in Britain, Spain, and especially France, for their efforts to ensure the success of this peaceful process.

My sincere thanks also go to all the Arab and African sister nations that have consistently expressed their unwavering and unconditional support for the Moroccan Sahara. I also thank all countries around the world which back the Autonomy Initiative.

On reconciliation and human unity

Despite the positive developments regarding the question of our territorial integrity, Morocco remains committed to finding a solution where there are no winners or losers – a solution that preserves the dignity of all parties.

With that in mind, I hereby make a sincere appeal to our brothers in the Tindouf camps to seize this historic opportunity in order to reunite with their families, and take advantage of the Autonomy Initiative. That Initiative makes it possible for them to contribute to managing their local affairs, develop their homeland, and build their future within a unified Morocco.

As King of the country and guarantor of the rights and freedoms of citizens, I hereby affirm that all Moroccans are equal, and that there is no difference between those returning from the Tindouf camps and their brothers and sisters within the homeland.

On Algeria and regional cooperation

On a different note, I call upon my brother, His Excellency President Abdelmajid Tebboune, to launch together a sincere, brotherly dialogue between Morocco and Algeria, in order to overcome differences and build new relations based on trust, fraternal bonds, and good neighbourliness.

I also reiterate my pledge to continue working towards the revival of the Maghreb Union, based on mutual respect, cooperation and integration among the five member states of the Maghreb.

On national unity and sacrifice

The comprehensive development, security, and stability enjoyed by our southern provinces are the result of the sacrifices made by all Moroccans.

I cannot but express my pride and appreciation to all my loyal subjects, especially the inhabitants of our southern provinces, who have always shown unflinching commitment to the nation’s sacred, immutable values, and to the country’s national unity and territorial integrity.

As we celebrate the anniversary of the glorious Green March, I wish to recall, with profound reverence and appreciation, the immense sacrifices made by the Royal Armed Forces, and all branches and members of our security apparatus and their families throughout the country, over the past fifty years, to defend the country’s unity, and preserve its security and stability.