Morocco: The War of Succession is Running at Full Speed

The most recent development in this ongoing saga is King Mohamed VI’s unofficial decision to delegate his military authority to his son and crown prince Hassan III. This move is bolstered by the backing of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), and is seen as an attempt to thwart the ambitions of Moulay Rachid, the brother of Mohamed VI. Moulay Rachid is reportedly supported by the Moroccan intelligence services known as the Makhzen, led by El Hamouchi and Mansouri. These figures have managed to consolidate their influence across Moroccan state institutions, including the parliament, ministries, governorates, and the DGSN (the General Direction of National Security).

Notably, Hassan III recently presided over a luncheon in Tetouan, a tradition typically overseen by Mohamed VI. The event was hosted by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and observed by the powerful adviser, Commander André Azoulay. This unspoken transfer of power is seemingly an effort to quell criticism surrounding the extended absence of Mohamed VI from Morocco.

The resulting power vacuum has left Moroccans apprehensive, as the uncertainty casts a shadow over the entire country and fuels the intensifying struggle for succession within the walls of the Royal Palace. In addition, King Mohamed VI’s recent statements regarding Algeria have led some foreign diplomats to interpret them as an “SOS” signal aimed at safeguarding his son from the clutches of the Makhzen. This move is viewed as an attempt to perpetuate distrust and regional tensions.

Despite Algeria’s seemingly indifferent response to Mohamed VI’s gestures, recalling past instances where similar overtures led to increased tensions in the region, the Makhzen’s propagandist media outlet, Hespress, was quick to react. The platform opened its pages to a known terrorist leader, the head of the MAK organization, to further antagonize Algeria. This act aligns with the media’s history of running smear campaigns, including the recent allegations against the Azaitar boxer brothers for allegedly kidnapping the King.

Coincidentally, Spanish newspaper El Confidential reported a few weeks prior that Mohamed VI had departed from his customary family holiday routine to remain close to the Azaitar brothers. This decision reportedly displeased his inner circle, including figures like Fouad Ali El Hima and Abdelatif Hammouchi, Director General of DGSN Security and head of the DGSI.

As we highlighted in our previous articles, the influence of the Azaitar boxing trio has surged. Senior Makhzen officials have even noted that they play a role in determining who has access to Mohamed VI. A former member of the Palace’s inner circle noted that the boxing brothers even influence decisions about familial departures.

Amid this climate of uncertainty and Mohamed VI’s ailing health, he and his close advisors, particularly the influential André Azoulay and high-ranking military officials from FAR, seem to be leaning towards the Spanish model of succession, potentially leading to abdication. This reference draws parallels to the 2014 abdication of Spain’s King Juan Carlos I in favor of his son, Felipe. However, this approach faces fierce opposition from certain quarters within the royal family and is supported by influential figures both within Morocco and in foreign offices. The alternative championed by these voices is Moulay Rachid, the younger brother of the current monarch.