In a special address to the nation, King Mohammed VI of Morocco spoke tonight in light of the UN Security Council’s recent vote on the Western Sahara dispute. In his remarks, the monarch celebrated the endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as a legitimate and viable political solution to end the long-standing territorial conflict.
Here is the full text of his speech:
"Praise be to God. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin.
Almighty God said: ‘Verily, We have granted you a manifest Victory.’ True is the Word of God.
Dear Citizens,
After fifty years of sacrifices, and with the help and guidance of the Almighty, we are now entering a new chapter in the process of consolidating the Moroccanness of the Sahara and closing, once and for all, this fabricated conflict, within the framework of a consensual solution based on the Autonomy Initiative.
It is truly a moment of pride that this historic change aligns with the 50th anniversary of the Green March and the 70th anniversary of Morocco’s independence.
I am pleased to share my satisfaction with the contents of the resolution recently adopted by the Security Council.
This is a pivotal moment and a crucial turning point in the history of modern Morocco. There is a "before October 31, 2025" and an "after October 30" era.
The time has come for a unified Morocco to emerge – from Tangier to Lagouira – a Morocco whose rights and historical borders no one will infringe upon.
Dear Citizens,
In a previous speech, I declared that, with regard to our territorial integrity, we have moved from managing the situation to actually changing it.
The momentum I have created in recent years is now yielding results on all fronts.
As a result, two-thirds of UN member states now recognize the Autonomy Initiative as the sole framework for resolving this conflict.
Additionally, the Kingdom’s economic sovereignty over the southern provinces has received significant recognition, following the decisions made by major global powers such as the United States, France, Britain, Russia, Spain, and the European Union to support investment and trade in these regions.
This means that our southern provinces now have the potential to become a hub for development and stability, serving as a major economic center in the region, including the Sahel and the Sahara.
By the grace of the Almighty, we are now on the verge of a decisive phase at the international level. Indeed, the Security Council resolution has laid out the principles for achieving a final political solution to this conflict, in line with Morocco’s legitimate rights.
In light of this UN resolution, Morocco will update and detail its Autonomy Initiative and submit it to the United Nations as the sole basis for negotiations, as it is the only realistic and viable solution.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all the countries that have contributed to bringing about this change through their constructive positions and tireless efforts in support of justice and legitimacy.
In particular, I would like to thank the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, whose efforts have paved the way for a final settlement to this conflict.
I also extend my thanks to our friends in Britain, Spain, and especially France for their efforts to ensure the success of this peaceful process.
My sincere thanks go to all the Arab and African sister nations who have continuously shown unwavering and unconditional support for the Moroccan Sahara. I also thank all countries around the world that back the Autonomy Initiative.
Despite the positive developments regarding our territorial integrity, Morocco remains committed to finding a solution in which there are no winners or losers – a solution that preserves the dignity of all parties.
Morocco does not view these developments as a victory nor will it use them to fuel conflict or disputes.
With this in mind, I make a sincere appeal to our brothers in the Tindouf camps to seize this historic opportunity to reunite with their families, take advantage of the Autonomy Initiative, and contribute to managing their local affairs, developing their homeland, and building their future within a unified Morocco.
As King and guarantor of the rights and freedoms of all citizens, I affirm that all Moroccans are equal, and there is no difference between those returning from the Tindouf camps and their brothers and sisters within the homeland.
On a different note, I call upon my brother, President Abdelmajid Tebboune, to initiate a sincere and brotherly dialogue between Morocco and Algeria, to overcome our differences and build a new relationship based on trust, fraternal bonds, and good neighborliness.
I also reaffirm my commitment to continuing efforts towards reviving the Maghreb Union, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and integration among the five Maghreb member states.
Dear Citizens,
The development, security, and stability enjoyed by our southern provinces are the result of sacrifices made by all Moroccans.
I express my pride and appreciation to all my loyal subjects, especially the inhabitants of our southern provinces, who have shown unwavering commitment to the nation’s sacred values, national unity, and territorial integrity.
I commend our diplomatic, political, and parliamentary efforts, alongside various national institutions, for their tireless work to bring an end to the question of our territorial integrity.
As we celebrate the anniversary of the Green March, I remember with profound reverence the immense sacrifices made by the Royal Armed Forces, all branches of our security apparatus, and their families, who have stood firm for the country’s unity and security for fifty years.
I offer a prayer of remembrance for the soul of the architect of the Green March, my revered father, the late King Hassan II – may he rest in peace – and for all the martyrs of the nation.
Wassalamou alaikoum warahmatoullahi wabarakatouh."