“Mandela and Morocco: United against Colonialism and Apartheid” is a video produced by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in South Africa that showcases Rabat’s role in supporting SA and other African countries to regain their freedom and independence.
In the video released just last week, Moroccan Ambassador Youssef Amrani emphasized the common history and shared heritage of Morocco and Nelson Mandela in the fight against apartheid and colonialism. He underscored the genuine solidarity, unwavering support, and substantial assistance provided by the Kingdom to Nelson Mandela during the most difficult times in the history of the African National Congress (ANC).
Mandela’s visits to Morocco are a testament to the uniqueness and beauty of an era that cannot and will never be erased, says Mr. Amrani, adding that it serves as a reminder to Africans of their strength, determination, and impact when they unite as one man, one nation, and one continent.
In his book “A Long Road to Freedom,” Mandela describes Rabat as a fascinating mix of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East and highlights how Rabat has been the crossroads of all liberation movements in the continent. During his stay in Rabat, he met freedom activists from Mozambique, Angola, Algeria, and Cape Verde.
The aim of the video is not only to highlight Morocco’s leading role in providing support to Mandela but also to emphasize the convergence of two courses of history and spread the message of unity and solidarity that the leaders have left as a legacy.
Morocco has resolutely supported African Liberation Movements since its independence, starting with Algeria, its closest neighbor. During the Algerian War of Independence, the Algerian fighters found safe havens in Morocco and received funding, training, and military support. The headquarters of the Algerian Liberation Army was located in Rabat while their training camps and operation bases were located near Oujda, closer to the border with Algeria. This is where, according to his diaries and numerous testimonies, Nelson Mandela received his military training.
The support provided by Morocco during the struggle waged by the South African national movement included the training of ANC activists in the Oujda region, the provision of logistical and military aid to the ANC, as well as support for the diplomatic activities led by the Nelson Mandela Movement abroad.
In recognition of this precious assistance, Nelson Mandela visited Morocco in November 1994, where His late Majesty King Hassan II awarded him the Kingdom’s highest distinction in recognition of the exceptional struggle he waged for equality and justice. He also maintained true relations of comradely friendship and brotherhood with the Moroccan people and visited the country on several occasions.
These relations between the late Mandela and the Moroccan people continued to develop after the passing of King Hassan II, mainly during his last private visit to Rabat in August 2005.
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