In commemorating the passing of the King Mohammed V, the leader of Moroccan nationalism, who passed away on Ramadan 10, 1380 Hegira (February 26, 1961), Moroccans show dedication to the memory of the late sovereign.

   The late sovereign, may he rest in peace, devoted his life to the liberation of Morocco and categorically refused any compromise with the protectorate authorities, which sent him into exile along with the Royal Family.

   His passing, after he managed to defend the Kingdom’s sovereignty and lead it with resolve and farsightedness to independence, was a loss for Morocco and for all resistance and liberation movements which consider the Late King a symbol of the struggle to achieve independence, dignity and progress.

    The late Sovereign was not only the pioneer of the Moroccan nationalism, but an African leader who inspired the continent’s peoples in their struggle against colonialism and racism for unity, independence and world peace.

    Throughout his struggle against colonialism, the late King Mohammed V had taken his action in permanent consultation with Morocco’s national movement, showing a constant concern to strengthen the ranks of all the components of the resistance. His heroic positions for freedom and independence resulted in his exile, in Corsica and in Madagascar.

   The late King Mohammed V had preferred the sacrifice and pain of the exile to surrender, flatly opposing to yield national sovereignty or bargaining with the Protectorate authorities. In response to this, the Moroccan people fought for the return of their legitimate King from exile, as a symbol of the national sovereignty.

    Faced with the growing armed resistance, the colonial authorities had no option but to accept dialogue with the nationalists, which had resulted in the victory of the Moroccan cause with the return of the late King Mohammed V from exile ( November 16, 1955) and the proclamation of the independence of Morocco.

   The late sovereign had ended the occupation regime and opened up the great era of freedom that was reinforced by his worthy successor, the late King Hassan II and HM King Mohammed VI.

    Late King Hassan II, companion of the hero of independence, continued the work of consolidating the gains, after the death of the father of the nation, by undertaking a major program for economic and social development in the country.

    Today, HM King Mohammed VI makes Morocco enter a new era by laying the foundations for a modern and competitive economy and initiating a series of reforms to modernize the kingdom and promote the values of modernity and development.