His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has hailed the United Nations Security Council’s historic endorsement of the Kingdom’s Autonomy Initiative as a decisive moment in the country’s efforts to resolve the long-standing regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara.
In a nationally televised address on Friday evening, the Monarch described the UN vote as a “turning point in modern Moroccan history,” coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the 70th anniversary of Morocco’s independence.
“There is a before October 31, 2025, and an after October 30,” the King declared, adding that the resolution marked “a new chapter in consolidating the Moroccanness of the Sahara.”
“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,” the King declared.
The Security Council’s decision, which recognizes Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative as the sole viable solution to the dispute, was described by the King as a “manifest victory” for legitimacy, diplomacy, and perseverance.
The Monarch noted that two-thirds of UN member states now support the initiative, reflecting a growing international consensus.
He cited endorsements from major global powers including the United States, France, Britain, Russia, Spain, and the European Union.
This recognition, he said, would bolster Morocco’s economic sovereignty and transform the southern provinces into a hub for development, stability, and regional integration.
“Our southern provinces can now become a hub for development and stability, and a major economic centre in the region,” His Majesty stated.
He announced plans to submit an enhanced version of the Autonomy Initiative to the United Nations, positioning it as the exclusive framework for future negotiations.
King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude to Morocco’s allies, singling out the United States under President Donald Trump for its pivotal role in advancing the settlement process.
He extended a reconciliatory hand to Moroccans in the Tindouf camps, urging them to seize the opportunity to reunite with their families and contribute to building a unified homeland.
“All Moroccans are equal,” he affirmed, “and there is no difference between those returning from the Tindouf camps and their brothers and sisters within the homeland.”
In a significant diplomatic overture, the King invited Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune to engage in “sincere and brotherly dialogue” aimed at rebuilding relations and reviving the Arab Maghreb Union.
He reiterated Morocco’s commitment to regional cooperation, mutual respect, and integration among the five Maghreb states.
As the nation prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of the Green March, the Monarch paid tribute to the sacrifices of the Moroccan people, particularly those in the southern provinces, for their unwavering commitment to national unity.
He also commended the efforts of Moroccan diplomacy and the Royal Armed Forces in defending the country’s territorial integrity.
“The comprehensive development, security, and stability enjoyed by our southern provinces are the result of the sacrifices made by all Moroccans,” the King concluded.
