The September 24 celebration highlighted the work of the Bissau-Guinean students’ association and the strong ties of friendship between Guinea-Bissau and Morocco.

In Tangier, Guinea-Bissau’s Independence Day was celebrated in an atmosphere that was both warm and solemn. The event was thoughtfully presented and well organised, allowing participants to honour their country while sharing the occasion with their Moroccan friends.

The Bissau-Guinean students’ association played a central role in the celebration. By bringing young people together around their shared history, it demonstrated its ability to unite the community, share its culture and create opportunities for dialogue with Moroccan society. The care taken in organising the event gave this national commemoration the dignity it deserves.

September 24 marks Guinea-Bissau’s declaration of independence in 1973, following years of struggle against Portuguese colonial rule. Portugal recognised the country in 1974, the year Guinea-Bissau joined the United Nations. Amílcar Cabral remains one of the leading figures of that struggle.

For students living far from home, the celebration means more than remembering the past. It helps them maintain a connection with Guinea-Bissau and consider how the skills they gain abroad might contribute to its future. The association plays a valuable role in this effort: it offers students a supportive community and gives them an opportunity to introduce their country to people in Morocco.

The experience of one Bissau-Guinean resident of Tangier illustrates this journey. He came to Morocco to study, earning a bachelor’s degree in economics followed by a master’s degree in audit and finance. He now works as bursar of the Archdiocese of Tangier. In a text written for the commemoration, he expresses his gratitude to the Kingdom of Morocco for its welcome and encourages young people from his country to give practical meaning to the legacy of independence.

These personal connections are part of broader cooperation between the two countries. In July 2024, Morocco and Guinea-Bissau signed several agreements in Laâyoune, including a framework agreement covering academic scholarships, internships and the sharing of expertise. Through its elegance, orderly organisation and spirit of friendship, the celebration in Tangier conveyed two messages: young Bissau-Guineans remain committed to their country’s history, and they value the ties of friendship between Guinea-Bissau and Morocco.