On August 16-17, 2026, Morocco commemorates the 73rd anniversary of the uprisings that took place in Oujda and Tafoughalt (province of Berkane) on August 16-17, 1953. These events are remembered as significant acts of resistance against French colonial rule and in support of the exiled Sultan Mohammed V.
According to historical accounts, the uprisings were sparked by the French authorities' decision to depose Sultan Mohammed V on August 20, 1953, and replace him with Mohammed Ben Arafa. The people of Oujda and the surrounding region, including Tafoughalt, rose up in protest, demonstrating their loyalty to the Sultan and their rejection of colonial interference.
The commemorations are led by the High Commission for Former Resistance Fighters and Members of the Liberation Army, along with the Ministry of Culture. Official statements highlight the uprisings as a testament to the Moroccan people's unity and their unwavering struggle for independence and national sovereignty.
The legacy of these uprisings is preserved in Moroccan national memory, with annual ceremonies and educational programs that emphasize the sacrifices made by the resistance fighters. The events are also seen as a precursor to the broader independence movement that culminated in Morocco's independence in 1956.
