1908

On the advice of Germany, 'Abd al-'Aziz proposed the assembly of an international conference at Algeciras in 1906 to consult upon methods of reform, the sultan's desire being to ensure a condition of affairs which would leave foreigners with no excuse for interference in the control of the country.  This non-interference would promote the welfare of Morocco, a promotion that 'Abd al-'Aziz had earnestly desired from his accession to power.

'Abd al-'Aziz gave his adherence to the Act of the Algeciras Conference, but the state of anarchy into which Morocco fell during the latter half of 1906 and the beginning of 1907 showed that the young ruler lacked strength sufficient to make his will respected by his aroused subjects.

In May 1907, the southern aristocrats, led by the head of the Glaoua tribe, Si Elmadani El Glaoui, invited Abdelhafid, an elder brother of 'Abd al-'Aziz, and viceroy at Marrakech, to become sultan, and, in the following August, Abdelhafid was proclaimed sovereign there with all the usual formalities.

In the meantime, the murder of Europeans at Casablanca had led to the occupation of that port by France. In September Abd-el-Aziz arrived at Rabat from Fez and endeavored to secure the support of the European powers against his brother. From France, he accepted the grand cordon of the Legion of Honor, and was later enabled to negotiate a loan. This was seen as leaning to Christianity and aroused further opposition to his rule.  In January 1908, 'Abd al-'Aziz was declared deposed by the ulema (ulama) of Fez, who offered the throne to Hafid.