Oued Ed-Dahab Day in Morocco commemorates the 1979 reintegration of the Oued Ed-Dahab region into Morocco, celebrating national unity, sovereignty, and the completion of the kingdom's territorial integrity.

When is Oued Ed-Dahab Day?

Oued Ed-Dahab Day in Morocco is celebrated on August 14 every year.

The following is the list of Oued Ed-Dahab Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Oued Ed-Dahab Day?

The Oued Ed-Dahab region (also known as Rio de Oro) is located in the southern part of Morocco's Sahara. Under Spanish colonial rule from the late 19th century, the area became part of Spanish Sahara, along with Laayoune and other southern territories. Following Morocco's independence in 1956, the country began pursuing the reunification of its historic lands, aiming to reclaim territories under Spanish control.

The turning point came after the Green March of November 1975, when 350,000 unarmed Moroccan civilians peacefully marched into the Sahara to affirm Morocco's claim to the region. Spain agreed to withdraw, and the Madrid Accords (November 14, 1975) led to the gradual transfer of administrative control to Morocco and Mauritania.

While Mauritania later withdrew from the southern portion in 1979, Morocco formally reintegrated the Oued Ed-Dahab region into its territory that same year.

On August 14, 1979, local tribal leaders and representatives of the Oued Ed-Dahab region pledged allegiance to King Hassan II in a public ceremony in Rabat. This event symbolized the return of the region to the Moroccan homeland and reaffirmed the unity between the monarchy and the Saharan tribes.

The day became known as Oued Ed-Dahab Day, commemorating Morocco's continued process of territorial recovery.

Each year on August 14, Morocco celebrates Oued Ed-Dahab Day as a national event of unity and sovereignty. It also serves to highlight development efforts in the southern provinces, reflecting Morocco's ongoing investment in the region.