The Moroccan government has declared a new national holiday to commemorate the United Nations resolution recognising progress toward resolving the long-standing Western Sahara dispute.
The decision, announced on Tuesday following a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, is aimed at honouring what authorities described as a “historic diplomatic victory” for Morocco.
According to the government statement, the new public holiday will be observed annually to celebrate the UN’s endorsement of ongoing efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the territorial issue under Moroccan sovereignty.
The Western Sahara conflict, which dates back to the mid-1970s, has long been a point of contention between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the region.
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Rabat has maintained that its autonomy plan for Western Sahara represents the most realistic and practical solution, a position increasingly supported by several countries and international organisations.
The UN resolution, adopted last week, was hailed by Moroccan officials as a reaffirmation of international support for the kingdom’s efforts to promote stability and development in the region.
Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said the holiday would serve as a reminder of Morocco’s “commitment to peace, territorial integrity, and national unity.”
