History : When Mauritania was a serious bone of contention between Morocco and France

On the 28th of November 1960, Mauritania has been proclaimed an independent state. A status that the Kingdom recognized nine years later. However, long before being independent of the French, Mauritania had been a serious bone of contention between Morocco and France. The former colonizer, opposed to the idea of witnessing the rebirth of North Africa, supported the independence of the former French colony. History.

Independence day : Why do Moroccans celebrate the 18 of November ?

Although the kingdom was proclaimed an independent state on the 2nd of March, every year; Moroccans celebrate independence on the 18th of November. The latter commemorates King Mohammed V accession to the throne and his notorious speech delivered to announce the end of the French control.

Honoring 12,000 young Moroccans : Builders of the 1957 the Al Wahda Road

Every summer, a significant commemoration goes largely unnoticed: the launch of the Al Wahda Road, or Unity Road, on July 5, 1957. Initiated by King Mohammed V, this monumental project mobilized nearly 12,000 young Moroccans, symbolizing the collective efforts of an entire generation in the wake of independence.

History : When King Mohammed V visited the first Disneyland park

In 1957, King Mohammed V went on an official visit to the United States, where he went to Disneyland. Posing next to Walt Disney, the sovereign’s enjoyable trip to the park was documented through a series of photos.

History : When El Khattabi allegedly refused Allal El Fassi’s offer to replace Mohammed V

A Moroccan historian revealed that El Khattabi had allegedly refused to be a king of Morocco replacing Mohammed V. This was a French offer made to the Riffian leader by Allal El Fassi.

History : When Morocco wanted the US Air Force to pull out of the Nouasseur Air Base

In 1951, the US built three military facilities in Morocco including the Nouasseur Air Base, now known as Mohammed V international airport. The Kingdom demanded Americans to pull out of the bases on its territory after it gained independence.

22 October 1956 : Ben Bella, King Mohammed V and the story of the re-routed plane

On the 22nd of October 1956, a plane carrying FLN leaders, including Algeria’s future president Ahmed Ben Bella, was re-routed by the French authorities. The trip was plotted by King Mohammed V.

History : The 2nd of March 1956, Morocco’s forgotten independence day

The 2nd of March 1956 was officially the day when Morocco was able to gain independence from the French protectorate. During the reign of Mohammed V, the Independence Day was celebrated on that date but when Hassan II ascended the throne this has changed.