Rabat — Moroccan and Italian dignitaries gathered in Bologna on Saturday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Green March, focusing on UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which recognizes Morocco’s sovereignty over its southern provinces.
The event, titled “A People United by Peace: 50 Years of History and Progress,” brought together prominent figures from both communities, including members of the Moroccan diaspora from across Italy. The Moroccan-Italian Youth Association and Yasmine Association organized the celebration.
Moussaoui Ajlaoui, a political analyst at the Center for Studies on Africa and the Middle East, provided historical context on Morocco’s territorial unity before discussing the recent Security Council resolution.
“This historic decision marks the beginning of a new era,” Ajlaoui explained. “It’s the first time the resolution recognizes the Kingdom’s sovereignty over its southern provinces and confirms that political settlement must go through Morocco’s autonomy plan.”
He described the Green March as a decisive turning point that fundamentally shifted geopolitical power dynamics in the region.
Moroccan-Italian journalist and writer Karima Moual stressed the resolution’s significance, calling it a game-changer for the Moroccan Sahara and the entire region.
“This decision strengthens Morocco’s position as an indispensable actor and source of stability, particularly in the Sahel and southern Mediterranean basin,” Moual said.
She pointed to the southern provinces’ economic and social transformation under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, driven by major infrastructure projects and substantial investments across various sectors.
Moroccan-Italian journalist Zouhir Louassini praised the UN resolution and Morocco’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. “The Green March exemplifies this approach,” he said. “It proved the genius of the late King Hassan II and demonstrated the Moroccan people’s unity behind their monarch.”
Morocco’s Consul General in Bologna, Khadija Nadour, attended the event, which featured a documentary chronicling the Green March and Morocco’s development achievements in its southern provinces.
MWN with MAP
