Morocco marks Western Sahara occupation anniversary
Hundreds of pro-Moroccan Sahrawis gathered in Laayoune to celebrate the Green March anniversary.
Morocco commemorated the 1975 Green March on Friday, an event that led to its takeover of most of Western Sahara. In Laayoune, hundreds of pro-Moroccan Sahrawis gathered to celebrate the anniversary, waving Moroccan flags.
The anniversary occurs as a United Nations peacekeeping mission concludes after 35 years, entering a new diplomatic phase for the territory's conflict. Pro-Morocco demonstrator Layla Choraifi stated that the autonomy initiative for the Saharan provinces is the most appropriate proposal for resolution.
For pro-independence Sahrawis, the day signifies the start of Morocco’s occupation and the displacement of thousands, dividing families between Moroccan-controlled cities and refugee camps in Algeria. Western Sahara remains Africa’s longest-running territorial conflict.
Why it mattersThe anniversary of Morocco's takeover of Western Sahara and the ongoing territorial conflict directly affects the Sahrawi people.