EUReflect Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Morocco’s Green March in Brussels: A Night of Unity, Victory, and Vision

In a momentous celebration held at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Brussels, EUReflect had the distinct honor of joining a distinguished gathering to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Green March — a defining moment in Moroccan history. Hosted by His Excellency Mohammed Ameur, Ambassador of Morocco to Belgium and Luxembourg, the event was a powerful tribute to national unity, diplomatic triumph, and the enduring vision of Moroccan leadership.

THE GREEN MARCH

The Green March, launched on November 6, 1975, by the late His Majesty King Hassan II, remains one of the most iconic peaceful demonstrations in modern history. With 350,000 unarmed Moroccan citizens marching into the southern provinces, the event symbolized a collective affirmation of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Saharan territories. As Ambassador Ameur recalled, “It was a march of peace, of flags, of unity — a moment when the entire nation stood as one.”

The Ambassador emphasized that the number of marchers — 350,000 — was not arbitrary. “It matched the number of births in Morocco at the time,” he explained. “But more than three million Moroccans rushed to register, eager to participate. This was not just a state initiative — it was the will of the people.”

🕊️ From Historic March to Diplomatic Milestone

While the evening honored the past, it was also a celebration of a historic present. Ambassador Ameur highlighted the recent diplomatic victory at the United Nations Security Council on October 31, 2025 — a date he described as a turning point. “There will be a before and after October 31,” he declared. “His Majesty King Mohammed VI has proclaimed it a national holiday — a day that will forever mark Morocco’s triumph on the international stage.”

The UN’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over its southern provinces was met with immense joy across the Kingdom. “This is not just a Moroccan victory,” the Ambassador stated. “It is a victory for the peoples of the Maghreb, for Europe, and for Africa. The Maghreb is Europe’s southern frontier — and this decision paves the way for a more integrated, cooperative region.”

A Call for Unity and Reconciliation

In a poignant moment, Ambassador Ameur extended a hand of reconciliation to Algeria, urging the “Algerian brothers to turn the page.” He spoke of two undeniable realities: “The southern provinces are fully integrated into Morocco — this is the reality on the ground, and now it is also the diplomatic reality.”

He underscored that this victory is not one of exclusion, but of inclusion — a chance to build a united Maghreb where nations collaborate, economies thrive, and people move forward together. “The Maghreb has long been fragmented,” he said. “Now, we have the opportunity to build a unified region — one that benefits not only North Africa, but also Europe and the entire African continent.”

Art, Memory, and Celebration

The evening was enriched by two captivating exhibitions. One showcased the vibrant works of Belgian-Moroccan painters, reflecting the cultural bridge between Morocco and Europe. The other was a philatelic and numismatic journey through five decades of the Green March, offering a visual narrative of Morocco’s path from 1975 to today.

The event was graced by the presence of numerous dignitaries and diplomats, including the ambassadors of Oman, Jordan, Senegal, and many others — a testament to Morocco’s growing diplomatic resonance and the shared interest in regional peace and prosperity.

Throughout his address, Ambassador Ameur paid heartfelt tribute to the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. “Thanks to the genius and foresight of His Majesty — may God preserve him — Morocco has not only reclaimed its territories but has transformed this success into a platform for regional stability and cooperation.”

He reminded the audience that the Green March was not merely about reclaiming land, but about affirming identity, unity, and Morocco’s rightful place in Africa. “Franco’s Spain had plans to sever Morocco from its African roots,” he noted. “But the Green March sent a clear message — Morocco is African, and Africa is part of Morocco’s destiny.”

EUReflect extends its deepest gratitude to Ambassador Mohammed Ameur and the Embassy of Morocco for hosting such a meaningful and inspiring evening. The 50th anniversary of the Green March was not only a celebration of the past but a bold vision for the future — one rooted in unity, diplomacy, and shared prosperity.

As the Ambassador so eloquently put it, “Today is not a day for formal speeches. It is a day of shared joy and reflection — a day for all Moroccans who have fought for five decades to reach this moment.”