Update: Moroccan King Replaces Key Ministers in New Government Cabinet

Supreme Court Chief Tayeb Cherkaoui takes over Interior Ministry

The King of Morocco, Mohammed VI has ordered a reshuffle of the executive branch with focus on security, justice and economic development.

The reshuffle is substantial in that it involves very critical posts.  As announced early by The North Africa Journal, the King replaced Interior Minister Chakib Benmoussa, who was appointed in 2006, by Tayeb Cherkaoui. This position is critical in that it is about controlling the country's security and police system and means that Charkaoui will become one of the most trusted aid to the King.

Another announcement will be made for the replacement of Justice Minister Abdelouahed Radi (appointed in 2007), who will be replaced by Mohammed Naciri.

In the key economic sectors, Yassir Zenagui will replace Mohamed Bousaid (appointed in 2007) as tourism minister and Mohamed Saad El Alami will take over the post of Delegate Minister for public sector modernization, replacing Mohamed Abbou (appointed in 2007).

In the political arena, Driss Lachgar will replace Mohamed Saad El Alami (appointed in 2007) as Minister of Parliamentary relations.

The Moroccan state-owned news agency MAP says the new cabinet members took the oath before the monarch in the presence of Prime Minister, Abbas El Fassi.