The Moroccan people and the families of former resistance fighters commemorate the 69th anniversary of Morocco’s former Liberation Army in October with a special event marking a glorious chapter in Morocco’s national history.
Celebrated in the provinces of Boulemane, Taza, Al Hoceima, and Nador, this anniversary reflects the unity between the monarchy and the people and highlights Morocco’s heroic struggle for national liberation, independence, and territorial integrity.
The commemoration serves as an opportunity to remember historical milestones. It reminds citizens of the bravery and sacrifices made by resistance fighters and the Liberation Army.
In a statement, the High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Members of the Liberation Army (HCAR) said that the operations were a natural extension of the armed resistance initiated by Moroccans against French colonialism.
Morocco’s resistance was in response to the forced exile of the late King Mohammed V and his family during the protectorate era by colonial forces. They were initially forced into exile in Corsica and later moved to Madagascar.
The colonizers sought to sever the unbreakable bond between the people and the throne and extinguish the flame of national resistance that had reignited across the country.
In response to the exile, mass protests erupted nationwide as Moroccans demonstrated their loyalty to their king, their unity, and the sacred values of their nation.
The first spark of revolution was ignited by the sons of Taza and Boulemane. They displayed remarkable courage and patriotism against the colonizers. In regions like Imouzzer Marmoucha and Taza, patriots formed resistance cells. They fought tirelessly against the colonizers, achieving significant victories.
In late 1954, resistance fighters established cells and training centers for the Liberation Army to prepare for attacks against colonial barracks in northern Morocco. In March 1955, the ship “Dina” secretly arrived at Ras Al Maa near Taza. It carried weapons from the Arab countries to the east destined for the resistance fighters.
This operation marked a decisive turning point in the support for the Liberation Army. It also symbolized solidarity among Maghreb nations united by a common destiny.
The dates of October 1 and 2, 1955, are significant in the history of Moroccan liberation. They coincide with the launch of operations targeting colonial military posts.
The Liberation Army deployed across multiple fronts, coordinating attacks. They inflicted heavy losses on colonial forces in the Rif mountains and Taza region.
These heroic operations marked the beginning of the end of colonialism. Just 45 days after the launch of these operations, King Mohammed V returned to Morocco.
On November 16, 1955, he announced the joyous news of independence and reunification. He spoke of transitioning from the “small jihad” of exile to the “great jihad” of progress and development.
King Mohammed V made historic visits to Taza and Nador in July 1956. These visits acknowledged the sacrifices of martyrs and resistance fighters.
This week’s commemoration is a reminder of the valor and sacrifices made by the Moroccan people for freedom and independence, focusing on instilling patriotic values in future generations.
The HCAR will offer a broad program of activities to celebrate the anniversary from October 1 to 4 in Boulemane, Nador, Taza, and Al Hoceima. Meetings will highlight significant episodes from this critical period in Morocco’s national struggle. Celebrations will include 46 regional and provincial delegations and local offices. 104 memory spaces will host discussions and conferences to deepen awareness of Morocco’s glorious past and its ongoing journey toward unity and independence.