The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Mehdi Ben Barka, an emblematic figure of the anti-colonialist movement, continues to haunt history and the collective conscience, 59 years after the tragic events that took place in Paris on October 29, 1965. The visit of the French president to Morocco has revived the demands for truth and justice from Bachir Ben Barka, Mehdi Ben Barka’s eldest son, who launched an urgent appeal to Mohammed VI and Emmanuel Macron to finally shed light on this affair.
In his open letter, Bachir Ben Barka called for action, urging the two heads of state to lift the defense secrecy in France and to cooperate fully with international letters rogatory in Morocco. These steps are seen as essential for the truth to finally come out and for justice to be done for Mehdi Ben Barka, whose body has never been found.
Beyond the Ben Barka family’s quest for truth, this call raises broader questions about the responsibility and transparency of states in resolving sensitive historical cases. While judicial investigations have failed to establish all responsibilities in the kidnapping and disappearance of Mehdi Ben Barka, Bachir Ben Barka’s request resonates as a call for ethics and historical memory.
It is imperative that nations such as Morocco and France fully assume their responsibilities and shed light on this political crime that continues to raise questions and suspicions. By lifting the veil on the gray areas surrounding this case, the two countries could not only do justice to the memory of Mehdi Ben Barka, but also contribute to turning a dark page in their shared history.
As the quest for truth and justice for Mehdi Ben Barka continues, it is essential to remember that history cannot be erased or ignored. Every unsolved case, every unpunished crime, leaves a scar in the collective memory and raises questions about the nature of our societies and institutions.
On this anniversary marking 59 years of mystery and silence, the voice of Bachir Ben Barka echoes a tenacious quest for truth and dignity. His call resonates beyond borders, reminding us that justice and memory are universal values that transcend political interests and compromises. The story of Mehdi Ben Barka must not remain an unsolved enigma, but become a symbol of courage and resilience for present and future generations.