This historic event paved the way for the Kingdom's independence, while consolidating its strategic geopolitical position in the world. Through the decisive intervention of the late King Mohammed V, who appointed the prominent judge and scholar Sidi Mohammed ben Driss El Alaoui, known as Judge ben Driss, as head of the organizing committee, and thanks to the support of the United States, the Anfa Conference embodied a turning point for Morocco, but also for the post-war global order.
The Anfa Conference, which took place in the context of a world war at its peak, was a consultative meeting of the Allies led by prominent figures such as US President Franklin Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and French Generals Charles de Gaulle and Henri Giraud.
Beyond strategic military issues, this event had a significant impact on Moroccan diplomacy and served as a starting point that paved the way for the Kingdom's independence. The choice of Casablanca for this meeting was not arbitrary, as Morocco, with its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, provided an ideal platform for coordinating Allied efforts against the Axis powers, especially after the Allied landings in North Africa during Operation Torch in November 1942.
The late King Mohammed V took the opportunity of this meeting to express the aspirations of the Moroccan people for independence. During his meeting with President Roosevelt on January 22, 1943, the late King called for the liberation of Morocco from the yoke of colonialism and proposed the Kingdom's accession to the Atlantic Charter, a fundamental document in laying the foundations for the post-war global order.
The initiative of the late King Mohammed V also marked a milestone in the history of relations between Morocco and the United States. By supporting the Moroccan national cause, President Roosevelt not only strengthened the legitimacy of the demands for independence but also paved the way for a lasting strategic relationship between Morocco and one of the world's great powers at the time.
According to the expert in geostrategic and security affairs, Cherkaoui Roudani, the historical significance of the Casablanca Conference stems from the fact that it strengthened Allied unity and marked a decisive stage in shaping global geopolitics.
In a statement to the Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), he emphasized that the choice of Morocco to host this meeting was due to its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Americas, adding, "Morocco proved to be a key platform for Allied military efforts, especially after the success of Operation Torch, which opened a front in North Africa and enabled the securing of vital ports for Allied logistics."
He noted that the decisions taken in the aftermath of the Anfa Conference, particularly Operation Husky (the landing in Sicily), served as decisive steps in the defeat of the Axis powers and the liberation of Western Europe.
On the international level, Mr. Roudani adds, the Anfa Conference certainly enabled the strengthening of the role of the late King Mohammed V as a visionary leader capable of making Morocco's voice heard on the international stage.
The expert said, "By calling for the independence of the Kingdom, the late King expressed the aspirations of the Moroccan people and laid the foundations for a fruitful relationship with the United States and other world powers."
Since that historic moment, Morocco has established itself as a key geopolitical actor in Allied strategies during the war and an indispensable partner in the post-war world. President Roosevelt's support laid the foundation for long-term cooperation with the United States, which strengthened the Kingdom's international standing.
This international reputation has been firmly maintained by the Alaouite Sultans and continues under the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, whose enlightened leadership has enabled the Kingdom to gain a prestigious position in international forums, commensurate with its historical role in preserving peace and dialogue between peoples and civilizations.
