فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
From the Green March to the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces: Morocco Consolidates Its Regional Leadership and Internal Stability in Service of African Peace.
At a time when the world is experiencing profound geopolitical transformations, Morocco continues to consolidate its presence as a balanced regional actor, thanks to a far-sighted diplomatic vision that combines firmness in principles with flexibility in approach.
The Sahara issue, which for decades has formed the core of Moroccan diplomatic work, has today transformed into a realistic model of stability and development, and a cornerstone in building solid economic and political partnerships with Africa and the world.
From the Green March to Completing Territorial Integrity
On November 6, 1975, the victorious Green March was launched, led by His Late Majesty King Hassan II, as a peaceful epic that embodied the unity of the people and the throne in recovering the Southern Provinces.
Since that date, Morocco has dedicated itself to building state institutions in the Sahara and establishing its legitimate sovereignty, whose roots extend through centuries of allegiance ties and historical bonds between the Saharan tribes and the glorious Alaouite throne.
Moroccan Diplomacy: From Defense to Initiative
During recent decades, particularly since His Majesty King Mohammed VI ascended the throne, Moroccan diplomacy has witnessed a qualitative transformation from defending the national position to proactive initiative at the international level.
In 2007, Morocco presented to the United Nations the Autonomy Proposal as a realistic and credible political solution, under Moroccan sovereignty, guaranteeing the inhabitants of the Southern Provinces the management of their local affairs within a unified and stable framework.
This proposal has today become the fundamental reference in Security Council resolutions, with growing international recognition of it as the only viable option.
Development of the Southern Provinces: From Symbolism to Action
The wisdom of the Royal vision was manifested in the launch of the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces in 2015, which allocated investment exceeding 77 billion dirhams.
This project aims to transform the Sahara into an integrated economic hub through major projects such as:
- Dakhla Atlantic Port, which will form Morocco’s gateway to Africa.
- Renewable energy projects, maritime fishing, highways, and industrial zones.
This dynamic has made Laayoune and Dakhla models of sustainable development and spaces for national development integration.
Growing Diplomatic Influence
At the international level, Morocco has achieved successive diplomatic victories over a quarter century:
- More than 30 countries have opened consulates general in the cities of Laayoune and Dakhla.
- Morocco’s return to the African Union in 2017 from a position of strength and confidence.
- Strengthening partnerships with the European Union, the United States, Gulf countries, and Latin America.
These successes demonstrate quiet and effective Moroccan diplomacy that combines legal legitimacy, realistic recognition, and continuous field work.
Morocco and African Depth: From Solidarity to Leadership
The Sahara has transformed from a conflict zone into a bridge for African cooperation, thanks to Morocco’s engagement in development and security projects in West and Central Africa.
The Kingdom is counting on regional stability and African economic integration through investment in infrastructure, clean energy, and moderate religious training.
This makes the stability of the Southern Provinces a key element in Sahel and Sahara security, and a pillar for building a cohesive Maghreb and African space.
Conclusion
Today, after fifty years since the Green March and a quarter century of modern Royal diplomacy, Morocco affirms that the Moroccan Sahara is not a border issue but an existential issue.
It is a symbol of national unity, an entry point for comprehensive development, and a bridge to a promising African depth.
Thanks to a far-sighted policy that combines historical legitimacy with field development, Morocco consolidates its position as a force for stability in the region and a key actor in building peace and development in Africa.
