H.M. King chairs allegiance ceremony in northern Morocco

   Interior Minister, Chakib Benmoussa, and walis and governors of the kingdom’s wilayas, prefectures and provinces swore allegiance, at the beginning of the ceremony, to Amir Al Muminine.

    Delegations representing the sixteen regions of Morocco also pledged allegiance to the monarch.

    The allegiance or "baiaa", a centuries-old pact between the Throne and the people, is a mutual commitment whereby the people pledges loyalty to the King and the King pledges to defend the independence, sovereignty and integrity of the country, to preserve the citizens' rights and to see to the prosperity and progress of the nation.

    This tradition was instituted at the dawn of Islam when the new converted used to make an oath to Prophet Mohammed, pledging loyalty to the supreme authority of the messenger of God and requesting his protection and blessings.

Following this ceremony, the sovereign hosted a luncheon at the Officer's club. It was attended by the Prime Minister, Speakers of the two houses of the parliament, King's advisors, government officials and several military personalities.