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Ivy is the researcher and writer behind The African Gourmet, blending African food, history, and cultural storytelling. Her work is cited by universities, Wikipedia, major news outlets, and global food writers.

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The Evergreen Impact of Morocco's Green March

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The Western Sahara was a Spanish colony until the Green March, when Spain relinquished control. The Green March began on October 6, 1975, in the southern Morocco town of Tantan. It played a crucial role as one of the starting points for the Morocco Green March back in 1975.

Green March

The Morocco Green March Name

The choice of the name Green March was deliberate and symbolic. Green holds special significance in Islam, and Morocco, a predominantly Muslim country, wanted to emphasize its Islamic identity and historical ties to the Sahara region.

In Islamic tradition, green is often associated with paradise, fertility, and prosperity. It symbolizes hope, renewal, and a spiritual connection to the land. By naming it the Green March, Morocco sought to underscore its claim to the Western Sahara as a historical and spiritual extension of Moroccan territory.

Prior to the Green March

Before the Green March, the Western Sahara was governed by Spain. However, Morocco and Mauritania asserted their right to the region based on historical and territorial grounds. In November 1975, during political instability in Spain, as General Franco was dying and the government was facing a leadership crisis, Morocco launched the Green March. This event involved 350,000 unarmed Moroccans carrying the Koran in one hand and the Moroccan flag in the other while balancing a photo of the King as they walked into the Sahara, boldly demonstrating their conviction that they were destined to take control of the land.

Green March

The Green March Impact Today

They encountered Spanish colonial authorities after the Green Marchers crossed into the Western Sahara. Spain was under pressure from the massive, peaceful demonstration, and negotiations began. The result of these negotiations was the signing of the Madrid Accords on November 14, 1975, involving Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania. These accords led to the transfer of control of the Western Sahara from Spain to Morocco and Mauritania. Madrid agreed to withdraw from the Western Sahara by February 28, 1976.

The Green March's success led to the Madrid Accords's signing on November 14, 1975, involving Spain, Morocco, and Mauritania. As a result of the Madrid Accords, the Western Sahara was divided between Morocco and Mauritania. Mauritania eventually withdrew its claims to the Western Sahara in 1979, leaving Morocco as the principal claimant.

The Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist movement, opposed the Moroccan takeover and fought for the independence of the Western Sahara. The United Nations became involved in the conflict, and efforts to find a resolution continue today.

A ceasefire agreement was reached in 1991, but the Western Sahara's status issue remains unresolved. The Green March remains a symbol of Morocco's determination to assert its territorial claims over the Western Sahara, and the legacy of this event continues to shape the ongoing conflict and negotiations in the region.

The African Union remains engaged in discussions about the Western Sahara's status, with some member states recognizing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, while others support Morocco's claims. The Western Sahara is rich in phosphate deposits and fishing resources. 

The Morocco Green March took place in 1975 and was a pivotal moment in the history of Morocco's territorial claims in the Western Sahara region. 

The African Gourmet explores how African food, history, and science intertwine. Here, a plant is a healer, a story is a map, and the kitchen is a laboratory. I’m Ivy — a writer raised by historians, now sharing Africa’s wisdom from the U.S. through cookbooks, cultural research, and storytelling. If you’re curious about where flavor meets memory, you belong here.

Recipes Explain Politics

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🍚 When Rice Recipes Become Revolution

What if your grandmother's rice recipe could explain the Liberian Rice Riots of 1979?

"In Liberia, rice isn't just food—it's life, identity, and sovereignty. When the government proposed raising rice prices in 1979, they weren't just adjusting economics; they were threatening every grandmother's ability to feed her family according to traditions passed down for generations. The riot that followed wasn't about politics—it was about the sacred right to cook your family's rice recipe."

🍲 The Deeper Recipe:

  • Ingredients: Colonial trade patterns + Urbanization + Economic inequality
  • Preparation: Political disconnect from daily survival needs
  • Serving: 40+ deaths, regime destabilization, and a warning about ignoring cultural fundamentals

This is African Gourmet analysis: understanding how the food in grandmother's pot connects to the protests in the streets. The recipes we inherit carry not just flavor, but the entire history of our political and economic struggles.

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African Gourmet FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why "The African Gourmet" if you cover more than just food?

Great question! While many associate "gourmet" exclusively with cuisine, its true meaning is "a connoisseur" – someone with refined taste and deep expertise. For over 18 years, I've served as a gourmet of African culture at large, savoring and presenting the continent's rich history, vibrant traditions, timeless wisdom, and contemporary stories with the same discerning palate one would apply to fine food. The name reflects my commitment to curating Africa's cultural wealth with authority and passion.

What makes The African Gourmet different from other culture sites?

With 18 years of consistent publishing, I offer depth and continuity that's rare online. I don't just report on African culture – I contextualize it, connecting traditional wisdom with modern realities, and food with folklore, politics, and daily life. It's a holistic view of Africa's past, present, and future, all through the lens of a seasoned cultural storyteller.

How do you choose what to write about?

My content selection is driven by a desire to showcase Africa's incredible diversity and challenge stereotypes. I balance covering foundational cultural elements (like proverbs and recipes) with timely analysis of current events (like the AGOA trade agreement). The goal is always to educate and illuminate the complex, dynamic realities of the African continent.

Do you focus on specific regions of Africa?

My coverage spans the entire continent – from North to South, East to West. While certain stories may focus on specific countries or regions, my mission is to represent the breathtaking diversity of 54 countries and thousands of cultures. I make a conscious effort to include both well-known and underrepresented cultures in my work.

Can I request a topic or contribute to the site?

I welcome thoughtful topic suggestions from engaged readers! While I maintain editorial control to ensure quality and consistency, I'm always interested in hearing what aspects of African culture you're curious about. Feel free to reach out through my contact page with your ideas.

How can I support The African Gourmet's work?

The greatest support is engaged readership – sharing articles you find valuable, participating in discussions, and helping spread cultural understanding. Following the blog and sharing it with others who would appreciate this unique perspective on Africa helps this 18-year labor of love continue to grow and reach new audiences.