On the eve of the “fiftieth anniversary” of the triumphant Green March, a national symposium that brought together groups interested in the issue of the Moroccan Sahara celebrated the “historic decision” of the Security Council, under the title: “Affirmation of the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and international support for the autonomy project within the framework of national sovereignty.” The symposium was hosted by the central headquarters of the “Pigeon” party on Wednesday evening, November 5th.

Oujdar: A historic victory for the Moroccan Sahara

Mohammed Aoujar, head of the committee in charge of the Moroccan Sahara issue in the National Rally of Independents party and a member of its political bureau, opened the meeting's interventions, stressing that the Security Council's latest decision represents"a major historical moment in the course of the national cause, to clearly and firmly establish the Moroccan identity of the Sahara."

Oujjar said in his intervention: “He clearly supported the Moroccan proposal to grant the southern provinces autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty; this is the international recognition, issued by the most powerful international decision-making body, which is a final burial of the separatist and referendum proposals that have been promoted for more than half a century, despite the conspiracies, intrigues, and diplomatic pressures that have been plotted against Morocco, and the membership of Algeria, the adversary of our territorial integrity, in the Security Council.”

The same speaker considered that “the world has realized today what Morocco has believed from the beginning, which is that the future of the Moroccan Sahara, its past and present, is inseparable from the unity of the nation and its established identity.”

The RNI leader continued: “The autonomy initiative is not just a political proposal, but a courageous sovereign decision taken by His Majesty King Mohammed VI with the support of the Moroccan people, within a strategic vision to build a Morocco of regions and strengthen the democratic process,” highlighting that “Decision 2797 is the culmination of a long process of continuous royal work on the diplomatic and developmental levels, recalling the historic visits made by the King to Russia and China in 2016, which contributed to strengthening international positions supporting Morocco from influential capitals.”

The head of the committee in charge of the Moroccan Sahara issue in the “Pigeon” party pointed out that the Kingdom of Morocco, with its southern provinces, “represents today an oasis of security and stability in a turbulent regional environment beset by conflicts and terrorism, thanks to the Moroccan model based on coexistence and deep reforms in the areas of human rights and the Family Code, which has made it a unique model and a source of inspiration in the region.”

Oujjar read in the royal decree establishing “Unity Day” on October 31 of each year “a profound historical dimension that enshrines this path of unity and confirms the historical character of the international decision,” concluding that “Moroccan kings have always been distinguished by their nobility and insightful vision based on dialogue and extending a hand even to adversaries,” calling for “opening a new page of relations with neighboring Algeria on the basis of mutual respect and appreciation and the unity of the Maghreb destiny.”

Kharboush: Unifying the national narrative

“The UN resolution is like a second march after the ‘Green March,’ establishing a new phase of development and unity, and opening the way towards a final resolution of the Sahara issue. Morocco will continue the march of construction and development under the royal leadership,” stressed Abdel Wadoud Kharbouch, coordinator of the committee in charge of the Moroccan Sahara issue in the National Rally of Independents party and member of the National Council of the same political organization.

Kharbouch highlighted that “Decision 2797” is a new turning point in the path of territorial unity, and a result of a long path of field work and construction whose foundations were laid by King Mohammed VI, noting that “the party kept pace with this path by organizing intellectual and national meetings, which began in the city of Dakhla, seeking to consolidate collective awareness and unify the national narrative on the issue.”

The speaker emphasized that the so-called"Polisario" is not a "liberation movement as it claims," but rather a terrorist organization that has committed war crimes against civilians and military personnel. He denied the existence of a so-called"Sahrawi people," stressing that all inhabitants of the Sahara are authentic Moroccans whose political participation embodies the values of citizenship and belonging. He added,"The Green March did not stop at reclaiming the land; it transformed into a march of construction and development in the southern provinces."

The member of the National Council of the “Pigeon” party pointed out that “the recent UN decision was not a coincidence; rather, it is the result of an integrated development vision launched by Morocco decades ago, which has produced a distinctive development model in the southern regions, making them among the most stable and prosperous areas of the Sahel and Sahara.”

He added that the Sahara issue is not a border issue, but rather an issue of existence, identity and homeland, recalling that French and Spanish colonialism drew imaginary borders to sow division; however, Morocco overcame that by building unity and development.

Kharbouch concluded his speech by calling for “the activation of the autonomy project as a realistic and final solution that restores dignity to the inhabitants of the southern regions and camps, and embodies the unity of the homeland under Moroccan sovereignty.”

Bouaida: Parallel diplomacy in support of development

Nadia Bouaida, Member of Parliament for the Guelmim-Oued Noun region and member of the National Council of the National Rally of Independents party, affirmed that “the adoption by the Security Council of Resolution 2797 constitutes a new historic victory for Moroccan diplomacy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, who has been leading the Sahara issue with a far-sighted strategic vision and firm wisdom for more than a quarter of a century.”

Speaking from the symposium platform, Bouaida explained that the decision “categorically confirms the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and makes the autonomy initiative the only realistic framework for resolving the fabricated regional conflict.”

She emphasized that “the royal path based on legitimacy, legality and development has brought about a profound transformation in the eyes of the international community, as it now considers the Moroccan initiative the only realistic solution within the framework of national sovereignty.”

She added: “The southern regions of the Kingdom are experiencing a comprehensive development renaissance, embodied in modern cities and major infrastructure projects, reflecting the success of the Moroccan model in combining development and quiet diplomacy,” stressing that “the people of the Sahara have always stood with the nation, holding fast to the Alawite throne and proud of their belonging to a homeland where security, dignity, and development prevail.”

The same parliamentarian stressed “the pivotal role of elected officials, which extends to parallel diplomacy and collective responsibility within schools, universities and institutions, where the voice of Morocco is raised in defense of the justice of its national cause.”