LeadStory

Africanews

Moroccans mark 50th anniversary of Green March into Western Sahara

Africanews · Just In
Africanews
Africanews
Just In

The mass demonstration pushed Spain to hand over control of the disputed territory, paving the way for Morocco’s takeover.

Breakdown
  • Moroccans in Saleh celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Green March, commemorating the late King Hassan II's call for citizens to cross into the Spanish Sahara. 4s
  • Spain relinquished its claim to the territory, which was renamed Western Sahara, allowing Morocco to take control. 33s
  • The anniversary is a national holiday and coincided with the UN Security Council referring to Morocco's autonomy plan as the most feasible solution to the Western Sahara dispute. 1m 2s
  • A Security Council resolution supporting Moroccan self-governance was adopted by 11 votes, with Russia and China abstaining. 1m 16s
  • The Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, continues to seek a referendum on self-determination for Western Sahara, including independence as an option. 1m 31s
History