On this day 69 years ago, on March 20, 1956 (February 9, 1956 lunar calendar), Morocco and Tunisia gained independence. On March 20, 1956, an agreement signed by the French Foreign Ministry officially declared Tunisia's independence. The next day, France recognized Morocco's independence. Algeria, located between Tunisia and Morocco, is full of strong national consciousness, and its future is subject to further negotiation. In just three weeks, France lost two protectorates in North Africa. The agreement with Tunisia abolished the country's protectorate status established 75 years ago. Terrorist attacks have repeatedly hindered or even interrupted negotiations. Once France and Tunisia had to join forces to drive out invaders from Libya. Elections for the Constituent Assembly are scheduled for next week. The French fear that moderates are no match for extremists. The agreement with Morocco reaffirmed the status of King Mohammed V, who had been deposed by France.