In front of immense crowds bearing the Holy Quran and the national flag, the colonial authorities had no choice but to bow to the will of the King and the people and to put an end to the colonization of the southern provinces. 

"Tomorrow, you will cross the border. Tomorrow, you will begin your March. Tomorrow, you will tread a land that is yours. You will feel the sands that are yours. Tomorrow, you will embrace a soil that is an integral part of your dear country”: These were the words pronounced by late King Hassan II in His Speech, on the eve of this historic event, calling the volunteers to participate massively.  Thus, men and women, young and old, from all parts of the country and representing all social categories responded to the call of the Sovereign. 

The Green March has been marked by the presence of many foreign flags amongst the procession, notably of the United States, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates or Jordan as well as by the participation of international personalities, including a young Cheikh Mohamed Ben Zayed Al Nahyan, reflecting the support to Morocco’s position beyond its borders.

Moroccans celebrate annually and proudly this historic event, which intervened in a specific geopolitical context, marked by the decision of the International Court of Justice which gave its advisory opinion on the Sahara, by confirming the existence of legal ties and allegiance between the Throne and the tribes of the region.

Nearly five decades later, the Spirit of the Green March remains alive in the hearts of Moroccans who are determined to make of the Saharan provinces a beacon of development, progress and prosperity. This new dynamic of development, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, makes of the southern provinces one of the regions of the Kingdom with the best results in terms of social achievements, health and housing services, growth, employment, and economic attractiveness.