Sahara : When King Hassan II agreed to a referendum under international supervision

In 1981, King Hassan II of Morocco flew to the Kenyan capital to participate in an Organization of African Unity summit. In Nairobi, he announced that Morocco is ready to agree to a referendum on the self-determination of the Sahara. Three years later, the continental organization said yes to the «Sahrawi Republic’s», bid to join it as a full member.

History : When Morocco met the Polisario to discuss the Sahara issue

From 1981 to 1989, while affirming its refusal to negotiate directly with the Polisario Front, the Kingdom sent its emissaries to meet those of the separatist movement several times. However, these meetings, including one chaired by Hassan II, failed to fulfill their objectives.

TELMA, the story of Morocco’s first and short-lived television channel

TELMA was Morocco’s first television channel, which started operating a few years before the country broke free from the French. The channel, which was mainly influenced by the French, had a short-lived experience and was rejected by Moroccans.

Sahara : When Algerian president Houari Boumediene promised to help king Hassan II

In 1974, Algeria promised to help Morocco retrieve the Sahara. The second President of Algeria Houari Boumediene had even offered to support Morocco in its conflict with Spain. However, the neighboring country’s position changed after the Green March.

History : When King Hassan II reached an agreement with Bouteflika on the Sahara issue

In 1999, and months after he passed away, King Hassan II reached an agreement with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on the Western Sahara conflict, US Department of State document reveals. 

Malaga renders homage to Ben Barek, the child who played football with Hassan II

Sixty years after his first match as a professional player for CD Malaga, Abdallah Ben Barek El Antaki aka «Abdallah Malaga» has stood at the Rosaleda stadium in Malaga again. The city paid homage to the Moroccan footballer who once played football with King Hassan II.

Abderrahmane Youssoufi narrates in his memoirs how he experienced Hassan II’s death 

After serving as a Prime Minister under the reign of King Hassan II, Abderrahmane Youssoufi in a rare move narrates the last moments he shared with the late sovereign. In a new autobiographical book, the human rights lawyer recalled the King’s funeral, the allegiance ceremony and what followed Hassan II’s death.

The Green March : A CIA document sheds light on the compromise reached by Hassan II and Juan Carlos

A declassified document released by the CIA has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Green March. Moroccans were able to enter the Sahara due to an agreement reached by Juan Carlos, Spain's Crown Prince at that time and King Hassan II, states the American agnecy.

When Carter refused to hand OV10s and Cobra helicopters over to Hassan II

During the late seventies, King Hassan II sent a number of diplomatic envoys to the USA to convince the Carter’s administration to hand OV 10 Bronco aircrafts and Cobra helicopters over to Morocco. Despite the sovereign’s endeavors, the 39th president of the United States refused to fulfill the Moroccan request.

Paquita Gorrono, a 103-year-old Spanish refugee who lived and died in Rabat

Paquita Gorrono is a Spanish woman who was forced to flee Franco’s Spain. She lived on the Moroccan soil for 78 years, worked for King Hassan II and became one of the most notorious Spanish figures in the kingdom. Nicknamed «La Pasionaria Rabat», the 103-year-old Paquita passed away yesterday in Rabat.