The uprising of 16 August 1953 in Oujda gave the measure of the deep impregnation of the populations of the region by the nationalist ideals embodied by the late H.M. Mohammed V.
The High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Former Members of the Liberation Army organised a meeting in Oujda on Monday in commemoration of the 62nd anniversary of the uprising of 16 August 1953 in Oujda.
This uprising, led by nationalists from the Oriental, gave the measure of the deep impregnation of the populations of the region by the nationalist ideals embodied by the late H.M. Mohammed V, who led the struggle for emancipation and independence in unison with his people. With this patriotic commitment, the Oriental region had become one of the most impregnable national fortresses in the face of the occupier's forces, which wanted to see it subdued and submitted. Likewise, the populations of this region wanted to show that they would never lower their arms in the face of the occupier's manoeuvres and cease to express their attachment to Sultan Mohammed V.
The causes of this uprising are known: the desire of the population of the Oriental to put an end to the foreign presence and to join the patriotic momentum that was sweeping Morocco in its struggle for independence, but its profound meanings refer to the cohesion that has never been denied between all the regions and all the categories of the Moroccan people, in addition to constants that constitute the solid foundation of Moroccan identity. The massive movement that carried this revolt was, in fact, nourished by the unwavering attachment to the glorious Alaouite Throne and to territorial integrity, thus reflecting the determination of Moroccans to make all sacrifices for freedom and independence.
Speaking on this occasion, the Secretary General of the Wilaya of the Oriental region, Abderrazak Kourji, indicated that the uprisings of 16 August and 17 August 1953 in Oujda and Tafoughalt (Berkane province) are considered two glorious epics of the struggle for independence and a radiant page engraved in letters of gold in the contemporary history of the Kingdom and testify to the immutable attachment of the populations of the Oriental to the glorious Alaouite Throne. These two events illustrate the firm determination of the Moroccan people to rid themselves of the colonial yoke and to recover their freedom, he noted.
For his part, Yassine Hamza, Director of Statutes and Historical Studies at the High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Former Members of the Liberation Army, indicated that the uprising of 16 August testifies to the heroism and sacrifices made by all strata of society for the defence of national sovereignty. For his part, Mohamed Saléh, member of the local Council of Ulema, indicated that this uprising reflects the permanent mobilisation for the defence of sacred values, national constants, and the territorial integrity of the Kingdom.
This meeting was marked by the tribute paid to former resistance fighters and members of the Liberation Army.
On this occasion, prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the martyrs of the unity and independence of Morocco, led by the hero of independence, the late H.M. King Mohammed V, and his companion in the struggle, the late H.M. King Hassan II. The audience also implored the Almighty to grant assistance and a long life to H.M. King Mohammed VI.
