In the annals of recent history, October 29, 1965 remains etched as a dark day for the Pan-Africanist movement and the opposition to King Hassan II of Morocco. It was on this date that Mehdi Ben Barka, an emblematic figure in the fight for freedom and democracy, was kidnapped in front of the Lipp brewery in Paris. Nearly six decades later, the mystery surrounding his disappearance remains, despite multiple investigation attempts and changes in investigating judges.
Yesterday, on the sad anniversary of this disappearance, the Mehdi Ben Barka Institute organized a rally in front of the Lipp brewery in Paris. An emotional crowd gathered, among whom was the family of the missing opponent and his supporters. An atmosphere charged with emotion, all the more marked by the recent death of Ritha Ben Barka, Mehdi Ben Barka’s wife, which occurred a few months ago.
In his poignant speech, Bachir Ben Barka expressed his sadness over the loss of his mother, while letting his anger towards the authorities who have not shed full light on this tragedy show. He also challenged French President Emmanuel Macron, who remained silent in the face of the Ben Barka family’s request for justice and truth in this case.
The coincidence of Macron’s visit to Morocco at the time of this anniversary did not escape observers, leaving a sense of expectation and questioning as to the position of the French authorities regarding this case. The pressure is increasing, particularly with the aging of potential witnesses from the time, highlighting the urgency of shedding full light on this disappearance.
The call for a symbolic burial for Mehdi Ben Barka in Paris, formulated by his family, underlines the desire to be able to meditate and honor his memory in a tangible way. While the mystery remains, the quest for justice and truth for Mehdi Ben Barka continues, symbolizing a fight for freedom and human dignity that still resonates today.
In these times when the quest for justice and truth remains a constant challenge, it is crucial to remember that Mehdi Ben Barka’s legacy lies in the perseverance to pursue the search for truth, even in the face of adversity and the silence of authorities. By honoring his memory and continuing to demand justice, we perpetuate his fight for a more just and equitable world for all.