King Mohammed VI’s vacation to Al Hoceima has been postponed, news website Hespress announced this morning.

Citing unnamed sources, the news site says the visit is still scheduled, but the date has been delayed.

Extensive security arrangements had been deployed this week in preparation for the King’s holidays in one of the beaches of Al Hoceima, his usual yearly vacation destination.

Known for his love for the Mediterranean sea and the blue beaches of the northern coast, King Mohammed VI used to head yearly for the Bouskour beach near Al Hoceima. However, the ten-month-long Rif protests sparked speculations about a possible cancellation of the King’s summer holidays plans.

Hespress added that the possibility of the King heading later to Al Hoceima is still standing, stressing that “he loves the region and prefer to spend his vacation there.”

On Saturday, the Moroccan news outlet Medias24 reported that military elements, “probably” the escort of the King, were seen heading to Al Hoceima. While the visit seemed to be mainly private, the website noted that the King is known for his surprise visits to places where he is not expected.

If the visit goes forward, it will be the first time King Mohammed VI will have come to Al Hoceima since protests started in the city on October 28 last year following the death of local fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri.

Since the beginning of the crisis, many citizens, including members of the Hirak protest movement in Al Hoceima, have been calling for the King’s intervention to address the situation.

Source: BNA