Morocco- Afrik website: “War of succession” between Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, Prince Moulay Rachid amid concerning deterioration of King Mohammed VI’s health
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a recent analysis that has sent shockwaves through the political sphere, the French website “Afrik” has revealed the concerning deterioration of King Mohammed VI’s health. The website has also highlighted the potential “war of succession” that could ensue over the royal throne between the current candidate, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan (son of Mohammed VI), and Prince Moulay Rachid, the brother of the ailing king.
Afrik, a French-speaking website that specializes in following up on the political and economic affairs of African countries, has stated that “the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, is no longer in good health.” The site’s analysis has revealed that the sarcoidosis disease, which the king has been suffering from for years, is now ravaging his body in an unprecedented way. This is confirmed by his faded and rare appearances in the local media.
The health of Mohammed VI has become the focus of all concerns in the Kingdom and among millions of Moroccans in various countries around the world. The report continued, describing the king’s health status: “There is almost nothing left of him except skin and bones. He has lost a lot of weight. The weight loss is caused, according to the Spanish press, by a disease called sarcoidosis.”
In light of these serious developments in the health of Mohammed VI, the website has raised the question of whether sarcoidosis could force the king to relinquish power prematurely. If so, to whom would the power be passed on? To his son or to his brother?
Moulay Rachid, the uncle of the current King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, is not content with simply being a member of the royal family. The Afrik website recently analyzed the potential succession plan for the Moroccan throne, highlighting the concern among political and royal circles in the country regarding the absence of a clear plan for the handover of power in the event of the king’s illness or abdication.
The analysis revealed an internal conflict between two potential successors to the throne: Mohammed VI’s 20-year-old son, Moulay El Hassan, and his 52-year-old brother, Moulay Rachid. While the line of succession in Morocco dictates that the crown prince takes power from his father and later hands it over to his son, there is speculation that Moulay Rachid may challenge this tradition!
Despite Moulay El Hassan being the “legitimate” candidate to succeed his father, the Afrik website notes that his young age could pose a problem for succession. Moulay Rachid, who has his sights set on the throne, may view his nephew’s youth as an opportunity to seize power.
The website also referenced a controversial report from August 2020, in which the “Morocco Online” website claimed that there had been an assassination attempt on Moulay El Hassan when he was just 17 years old.
The “Morocco Online” report has been the subject of controversy as it discussed an alleged assassination attempt without confirmation or denial from the palace. As a result, the website is facing legal action.
The report in question divulged details of an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Crown Prince Moulay al-Hassan, which was foiled after his personal driver was found murdered in his apartment. Moroccan journalist and activist, Abd al-Halim al-Murabit, commented on the incident, initially confirming that Moulay Rachid had been relieved of his official duties due to his involvement in the plot. However, he later retracted this statement.
Media sources have reported that Moroccan authorities have requested the extradition of Al-Murabit from Spain, where he published the news of the assassination attempt on the Crown Prince.
The potential “war of succession” on the Moroccan throne is a matter of great concern for the country’s political and royal circles. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen who will ultimately ascend to the throne and lead the Sharifian kingdom into the future.
