Mohammed VI of Morocco

Mohammed VI
Mohammed VI
Born	August 21, 1963 (age 63); Morocco
Occupation	King of Morocco
Years active	1999–present
Known for	King of Morocco since 1999, reforms in family law, constitutional changes, modernization efforts, international diplomacy

Mohammed VI (; born 21 August 1963) has been the King of Morocco since 23 July 1999, following the death of his father, King Hassan II.

At the start of his reign, Mohammed VI implemented reforms, notably revising the family code to enhance the rights of women in Morocco. In 2010, leaked diplomatic cables implicated the king and his close associates in corruption allegations. The wave of protests during the 2011 Arab Spring led Mohammed to introduce constitutional changes endorsed by a referendum. He also undertook efforts to modernize both the economic and military sectors, officially recognized Standard Moroccan Amazigh alongside Arabic to promote Berber culture, and worked to curb religious extremism.

In terms of international relations, Mohammed VI maintained his father’s moderate diplomatic stance, strengthening partnerships with the United States, European Union, and China. He gave particular emphasis to fostering ties with African countries and firmly upheld Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara. His tenure also saw Morocco establish normalized diplomatic relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords.

Mohammed VI possesses significant business ventures spanning various industries within Morocco. Estimates of his fortune range widely, with figures suggesting a net worth between and exceeding . In 2015, Forbes identified him as Africa’s wealthiest monarch and ranked him as the fifth richest king worldwide. By 2019, reports placed his personal wealth at approximately $8.2 billion.

Early life and education

Born on 21 August 1963, Mohammed was the second child and eldest son of King Hassan II and Lalla Latifa, making him heir apparent from birth.

His father emphasized a comprehensive religious and political upbringing; Mohammed began attending the palace's Quranic school at four years old. His daily schedule commenced at 6 am with Quranic recitation, followed by structured lessons. He completed his primary and secondary education at the Collège Royal, an exclusive institution within the palace grounds. King Hassan II selected a group of twelve top-performing students to study alongside Mohammed, enforcing strict discipline to ensure academic excellence.

At just ten years old, Mohammed started representing his father in diplomatic contexts, including attending French president Georges Pompidou’s funeral in 1974. Recognized for his linguistic abilities, he demonstrated an early fascination with international affairs beyond palace life.

He earned his Baccalaureate in 1981 and completed a law degree at Mohammed V University at Agdal in 1985, where his thesis examined "the Arab-African Union and Morocco's International Relations Strategy." That same year, he was appointed president of the Pan Arab Games and received a commission as a Brigadier General in the Royal Moroccan Army. Until 1994, he managed coordination for various departments within the Royal Armed Forces.

In 1987, Mohammed obtained a Certificat d'Études Supérieures in political science followed by a Diplôme d'Études Approfondies (DEA) in public law by mid-1988. He also underwent brief training under Jacques Delors, then President of the European Commission, in Brussels.

Concerns arose regarding Mohammed’s nightlife habits during his law studies in Nice, prompting increased oversight from his father. He graduated with distinction from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in 1993 after completing a doctorate focused on "EEC-Maghreb Relations." In 1994, he advanced to the rank of Major General, assumed presidency of the High Council of Culture, and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Moroccan Army.

Prior to ascending to kingship, Mohammed developed a reputation as a playboy known for luxury cars and nightlife indulgence. His relationship with Hassan II was reportedly strained; he often avoided contact during visits to Morocco and frequented Amnesia, an underground club in Rabat. According to reports, his close associate Fouad Ali El Himma provided exclusive access via a private elevator connecting El Himma’s apartment directly to the club.

Accession and Early Rule

Mohammed assumed the throne following the passing of his father on 23 July 1999. A week later, he was officially crowned, pledging to address issues such as poverty, corruption, unemployment, and to enhance Morocco’s human rights situation. His reform initiatives encountered resistance from Islamist conservatives and fundamentalist factions. Among his initial measures was the removal of his father’s stringent interior minister, Driss Basri, and the placement of former schoolmates into significant bureaucratic roles.

In June 2000, Mohammed, accompanied by his sister Princess Lalla Meryem, undertook a state visit to the United States as guests of President Bill Clinton. The Bush administration designated Morocco as a major non-NATO ally in 2004. Subsequently, in 2006, both nations entered into a free-trade agreement—the sole pact between the U.S. and an African country—though it generated criticism within Morocco due to an increasing trade imbalance.

February 2004 saw Mohammed introduce a revised family law (Mudawana) that expanded women’s rights. Later that year, in July, he announced the removal of visa requirements for Algerian citizens; Algeria reciprocated by easing border restrictions for Moroccans in 2005. Additionally, he established the Equity and Reconciliation Commission tasked with investigating human rights abuses committed during Hassan II’s reign. While this initiative supported democratic progress, critics pointed out that the commission refrained from identifying offenders, and ongoing human rights concerns remain.

In March 2006, the government launched the Royal Advisory Council for Saharan Affairs (CORCAS), an advisory entity defending Morocco’s sovereignty claim over Western Sahara; its members are appointed directly by the king. CORCAS advocated for granting autonomy to Western Sahara under Moroccan rule. Mohammed visited Western Sahara twice: first in 2006 and again in 2015.

2011 Protests and Constitutional Changes

The 2011 Moroccan protests, led by the 20 February Movement, arose from widespread dissatisfaction with corruption, political stagnation, and economic difficulties linked to the global downturn. Inspired by uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, demonstrators called for immediate political and social reforms, including limiting some royal prerogatives.

On 9 March 2011, King Mohammed VI declared that parliament would be endowed with increased powers to execute legislative and regulatory duties while the judiciary would gain enhanced independence. He also appointed a committee charged with drafting a new constitution by June 2011. On 1 July, a referendum saw voters approve these proposed reforms.

Notable changes included:

Official recognition of Standard Moroccan Amazigh as a national language alongside standard Arabic.
Safeguarding of the Hassaniya Arabic dialect and all facets of Moroccan cultural heritage.
The prime minister (previously titled head of government) now chairs the Council of Government responsible for preparing state policies; this role was formerly exercised by the king. Additionally, the prime minister acquired authority to dissolve parliament.
The king is required to appoint as prime minister a member from the party securing the most parliamentary seats, though not necessarily its leader; previously he could appoint anyone irrespective of election outcomes.
The monarch is no longer described as "sacred or holy," though his person remains "inviolable."
Key administrative and diplomatic appointments—including ambassadors, heads of state-owned enterprises, and regional governors—are now made by the prime minister and ministerial council chaired by the king; prior to this reform, these appointments were solely at the king’s discretion.
Parliament gained the power to grant amnesty, a prerogative formerly reserved exclusively for the king.
The king guarantees judicial independence from legislative and executive branches.
Women are assured "civic and social" equality with men; earlier constitutions had only guaranteed political equality.
The king retains comprehensive control over armed forces, judiciary, religion, foreign affairs, and maintains authority to appoint or dismiss prime ministers.
Citizens theoretically enjoy freedoms of thought, expression, and artistic creation; however, criticism or opposition directed at the king remains punishable by imprisonment.

Domestic and Western Sahara policy

In January 2017, Morocco implemented a prohibition on the production, distribution, and sale of the burqa.

Starting in late 2019, numerous nations endorsing Morocco's stance in the Western Sahara conflict inaugurated consulates in cities within Western Sahara, such as Laayoune and Dakhla, reaching a total of 28 by 2023. A significant incident took place in November 2020 when Sahrawi demonstrators obstructed a crucial route connecting sub-Saharan Africa through Mauritania; Morocco responded with military action to clear the passage, citing breaches of the 1991 ceasefire agreement by the Polisario Front.

On 20 December 2022, Mohammed VI welcomed the Moroccan national football squad at the Royal Palace of Rabat following their fourth-place achievement in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, bestowing upon them the Order of the Throne. In March 2023, he was honored with the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) award for exceptional accomplishments. During this event held in Kigali, Morocco announced its role as co-host for the Morocco–Portugal–Spain 2030 FIFA World Cup bid, which FIFA unanimously endorsed in October.

In May 2023, Mohammed VI approved the designation of Yennayer (Berber New Year) as an official national holiday.

After the devastating Al Haouz earthquake in September 2023, which resulted in nearly three thousand fatalities, Mohammed VI visited medical facilities, personally donated blood, and directed the royal holding company Al Mada to allocate one billion dirhams towards relief operations in the impacted areas.

Foreign policy

During the later phase of his rule, Mohammed VI placed significant emphasis on strengthening ties with African nations within Morocco's diplomatic agenda. In July 2016, he formally applied for Morocco’s reinstatement into the African Union (AU), successfully rejoining in January 2017 after a withdrawal dating back to 1984 due to the AU’s acceptance of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. He expressed concerns about potential "division of Africa" stemming from the Sahrawi dispute.

Morocco broadened its strategic partnerships with entities such as the Gulf Cooperation Council, China, and Russia to diversify its trade and investment sources, aiming to lessen dependency on the European Union and Western powers. The kingdom offered diplomatic mediation during the ongoing Libyan Crisis (2011–present) and maintained neutrality throughout the Qatar diplomatic crisis.

Diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel were restored on 10 December 2020 through the Israel–Morocco normalization agreement, accompanied by U.S. acknowledgment of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In June 2021, Mohammed extended congratulations to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. By November 2021, he reiterated Morocco’s dedication to facilitating Israeli–Palestinian peace talks, urging both parties to refrain from hindering progress.

In August 2022, Mohammed underscored that Western Sahara remains a pivotal element of Morocco's foreign policy and encouraged nations to clarify their stances on this matter. In 2023, Israel under Netanyahu’s third administration recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, with Paraguay following suit in 2024.

Despite Mohammed’s appeals for reconciliation, relations with neighboring Algeria stayed tense. Strains intensified throughout the 2020s due to the Israel–Morocco agreement and border confrontations. Algeria accused Morocco of supporting factions alleged to be responsible for northern wildfires in 2021 and consequently cut diplomatic ties.

In February 2023, Mohammed alongside Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita visited Gabon, providing a donation of 2,000 tonnes of fertilizer. On 4 December 2023, at the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Mohammed visited Dubai where both leaders signed a declaration aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Business and wealth

Mohammed stands as Morocco's foremost figure in business and banking. In 2015, Forbes valued his fortune at approximately US$5.7 billion; however, by 2019, Business Insider reported a net worth closer to US$2.1 billion. The Moroccan Royal Family ranks among the wealthiest globally, holding controlling interests in the Al Mada conglomerate, formerly known as Société Nationale d'Investissement (SNI). This entity merged with Omnium Nord Africain (ONA Group) in 2013, creating a unified holding company that subsequently delisted from the Casablanca Stock Exchange, leading to a market value reduction of roughly 50 billion dirhams (around US$6 billion).

Al Mada’s extensive investments cover critical sectors within Morocco: Attijariwafa Bank (financial services), Managem (mining operations), Onapar, SOMED (tourism, real estate, and exclusive Maserati dealership), Wafa Assurance (insurance), Marjane (retail hypermarkets), Wana-Inwi (telecommunications), SONASID (steel production), Lafarge Maroc, Sopriam (exclusive distributor of Peugeot-Citroën vehicles), Renault Maroc, and Nareva (energy sector). The holding company has been divesting from the food processing industry, offloading assets such as Lessieur, Centrale Laitière, Bimo, and Cosumar to international buyers for an estimated total of $1.37 billion during 2012–2013.

Both SNI and ONA maintained stakes in Brasseries du Maroc, the country's leading manufacturer and distributor of alcoholic beverages including brands like Heineken. In March 2018, SNI rebranded itself as Al Mada, reflecting its strategic intent to expand across Africa.

Mohammed also commands significant agricultural production and landholdings through his personal investment vehicle, SIGER. This company owns shares in Les domaines agricoles, an enterprise established by Hassan II with reported revenues of $157 million in 2008 and control over approximately 12,000 hectares of farmland. The group is a major exporter of citrus fruits and manages the Royal Golf de Marrakech. Its flagship product line includes the Chergui brand of dairy goods. Between 1994 and 2004, management responsibilities were held by Khalid Benharbit, Mohammed VI’s brother-in-law.

The operational expenses of the royal palace are financed by the Moroccan government. According to Forbes, this budget was about $960,000 per day in 2014, totaling an annual allocation of 2.576 billion dirhams to cover staff salaries, wardrobe costs, and vehicle maintenance.

Royal pardon scandal

On August 2, 2013, demonstrations took place in Rabat following Mohammed’s decision to pardon 48 incarcerated Spanish nationals. Among those freed was Daniel Galván, a convicted pedophile serving a 30-year sentence for abusing eleven children aged between four and fifteen. Public outrage led to the revocation of Galván’s pardon; Morocco subsequently issued an international arrest warrant resulting in his re-arrest in Spain where he resumed his sentence.

Another individual granted clemency was Antonio Garcia, a repeat offender involved in drug trafficking who had been apprehended with nine tons of hashish in Tangier and sentenced to ten years imprisonment. His release prior to trial sparked controversy within Spanish media circles.

Allegations of corruption

The involvement of the royal family in commercial enterprises remains a delicate subject within Morocco. A leaked U.S. embassy cable characterized corruption as pervasive throughout Moroccan society, extending to top echelons where Mohammed VI and his close associates exert influence over significant housing developments. WikiLeaks disclosures indicated that major investment decisions are centralized under the authority of the king alongside his secretary Mounir Majidi and advisor Fouad Ali El Himma, with particular impact on the housing industry.

In April 2016, Mounir Majidi—the king’s personal secretary—was implicated in the Panama Papers revelations for connections to offshore financial arrangements tied to the royal inner circle.

Family and personal life

Mohammed VI has four siblings: three sisters—Princess Lalla Meryem, Princess Lalla Asma, and Princess Lalla Hasna—and one brother, Prince Moulay Rachid. At the time of his accession in 1999, early information regarding his marital status was inconsistent; however, a palace spokesperson denied that he had married immediately.

His engagement to Salma Bennani was made public on 12 October 2001. The couple held a private wedding ceremony in Rabat on 21 March 2002, followed by a public celebration at the Dar al-Makhzen on 12–13 July 2002. Upon marriage, Bennani was granted the title of princess consort with the honorific Her Royal Highness. They have two children: Crown Prince Moulay Hassan, born on 8 May 2003, and Princess Lalla Khadija, born on 28 February 2007. Their separation was officially announced on 21 March 2018.

The monarch’s birthday, celebrated annually on 21 August, is recognized as a national holiday in Morocco; however, festivities were suspended in 2014 due to the passing of his aunt.

In 2020, Mohammed VI purchased an €80 million residence in Paris from members of the Saudi royal family, underscoring his ongoing commitment to acquiring prominent international properties.

Health

The health condition of Mohammed VI has frequently attracted attention both domestically and internationally.

In 2017, he successfully underwent surgery at the Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital in Paris to remove a pterygium from his left eye. The following year, in February 2018, he received radiofrequency ablation treatment to correct an irregular heartbeat. After contracting acute viral pneumonia in September 2019, he was advised to rest; during this period, Crown Prince Moulay Hassan represented him at the funeral of former French President Jacques Chirac. In June 2020, he underwent a medical procedure in Rabat addressing a recurrence of atrial flutter.

In June 2022, Mohammed tested positive for COVID-19. His physician reported that he exhibited no symptoms and recommended rest. It was reported that the infection occurred during a private trip to France. On 10 July 2022, he reappeared publicly for the first time since recovering, participating in Eid al-Adha ceremonies. In December 2024, he underwent surgery after sustaining a left shoulder fracture caused by a fall.

National orders

Upon ascending to the throne, Mohammed VI became Grand Master of several Moroccan national orders on 23 July 1999:

Order of Muhammad
Order of the Throne
Order of Ouissam Alaouite
Order of the Independence Combat
Order of Fidelity
Order of Military Merit (Morocco)

Foreign orders

Throughout his reign, Mohammed VI has been awarded numerous prestigious international decorations including:

Grand Officer of the Order of the Equatorial Star (Gabon, 1977)
Knight of the Collar of the Order of Civil Merit (Spain, 1979)
Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (United Kingdom, 1980)
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III (Spain, 1986)
Grand Cordon of the Order of the Republic (Tunisia, 1987)
Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog (Denmark, 1988)
Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italy, awarded in both 1997 and 2000)
Grand Cross of the Order of Aviz (Portugal, 1998)
Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France, 2000)
Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali (Jordan, 2000)
Grand Cordon of the National Order of Merit (Mauritania, 2000)
Various Grand Crosses and Collars from numerous countries across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East including Tunisia, Mali, Syria, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, Cameroon, Gabon, Niger, Belgium, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Burkina Faso, Japan, Gambia, Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, Saudi Arabia, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Guinea, Ivory Coast, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Madagascar and Ghana.
Ellis Island Medal of Honor (United States, 2019)
Chief Commander rank in the Legion of Merit (United States, 2021)

Honorary distinctions:

Honorary doctorate conferred by George Washington University on 22 June 2000.
Esquipulas Peace Prize awarded by FOPREL—the Central American legislative forum—on 19 May 2022.
President's Outstanding Achievement Award presented by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on 14 March 2023.