King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed El Yazid Er-Radi as the new Secretary General of the Higher Council of Ulemas, marking a significant transition in the leadership of the kingdom’s highest religious authority. The appointment was formalized on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during a series of receptions held at the Royal Palace in Rabat according to a royal cabinet communiqué.
The transition involves the departure of Mohamed Yssef, the former Secretary General, who was honored by the Sovereign for his contributions to the state and the faith. In a gesture of royal recognition, King Mohammed VI decorated Mr. Yssef with the Wissam Al Arch (Grand Officer) in consideration of the “commendable services” he rendered to his religion, his country, and the King throughout his various missions and responsibilities as reported by Hespress.
The appointment of El Yazid Er-Radi as Secretary General of the Higher Council of Ulemas comes with specific strategic mandates from the monarchy. During their meeting on April 14, 2026, the King provided “High Orientations” to Mr. Er-Radi, emphasizing the Council’s role in promoting the Islamic faith through the values of moderation and the “just-middle” (wasatiyya), while ensuring the preservation of the Kingdom’s religious constants per the official royal statement.
The Role and Mandate of the Higher Council of Ulemas
The Higher Council of Ulemas serves as the premier religious institution in Morocco, providing guidance on the application of Islamic law and the management of religious affairs under the authority of the King, who holds the title of Amir Al Mouminine (Commander of the Faithful). The Secretary General acts as a pivotal administrative and strategic link between the scholarly body and the royal administration.
Under the new leadership of El Yazid Er-Radi, the Council is tasked with a clear ideological framework. The “just-middle” approach mentioned in the royal directives is central to Morocco’s strategy to counter extremism and promote a version of Islam that is compatible with contemporary societal needs while remaining rooted in tradition. This balance is critical for maintaining social stability and the “religious constants” that define the Moroccan identity.
Key Objectives for the New Leadership
Based on the directions provided by King Mohammed VI, the tenure of El Yazid Er-Radi is expected to focus on several core pillars:
- Promotion of Moderation: Implementing the values of the “just-middle” to ensure that religious interpretations remain balanced and inclusive.
- Preservation of Constants: Safeguarding the specific religious traditions and legal frameworks that characterize the Moroccan state.
- Institutional Continuity: Building upon the work of the previous administration under Mohamed Yssef to maintain the Council’s influence and effectiveness.
Timeline of the Royal Transition
The events of April 14, 2026, followed a precise protocol at the Royal Palace in Rabat to ensure a seamless handover of power within the religious hierarchy. The sequence of events is detailed in the table below:
| Event | Participant | Action/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| First Reception | Mohamed Yssef | Decorated with Wissam Al Arch (Grand Officer) for his service. |
| Second Reception | El Yazid Er-Radi | Officially appointed as Secretary General of the Higher Council of Ulemas. |
| Royal Briefing | El Yazid Er-Radi | Received “High Orientations” regarding moderation and religious constants. |
What This Appointment Means for Morocco’s Religious Policy
The appointment of El Yazid Er-Radi signals a continuation of the monarchy’s commitment to a state-led, moderate religious discourse. By explicitly mentioning the “just-middle” in the appointment communiqué, the King has reaffirmed that the Higher Council of Ulemas remains the primary bulwark against radicalism. This institutional approach allows the state to regulate religious interpretation, ensuring it aligns with the broader national goals of stability and openness.
For the global community, this transition underscores Morocco’s role as a regional leader in promoting Islamic moderation. The Higher Council’s work often extends beyond national borders, influencing how Moroccan religious models are exported to other Muslim-majority countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The recognition of Mohamed Yssef’s service further highlights the importance of institutional loyalty and the “louable services” rendered to the Crown, suggesting that the transition is one of planned succession and continuity rather than a shift in ideological direction.
Official updates regarding the first strategic initiatives under El Yazid Er-Radi’s leadership are expected to be released via the royal cabinet or the official channels of the Higher Council of Ulemas. We invite our readers to share their perspectives on the role of moderate religious institutions in the comments section below.