Moroccan Amnesty International Secretary General, Mohamed Sektaoui, Passes Away
Morocco Mourns the Loss of Human Rights Champion Mohamed Sektaoui
The human rights community in Morocco and around the world is grieving the loss of Mohamed Sektaoui, the Secretary General of Amnesty International Morocco, who passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Sektaoui, a tireless advocate for human rights, succumbed to a heart condition he had battled for years. His death leaves a void in the fight for justice and equality in Morocco.
Amnesty International released a statement expressing their profound sorrow, describing Sektaoui’s passing as “a great loss for all of us in the Moroccan human rights movement and the Amnesty movement worldwide.” They offered their deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sektaoui’s impact resonated deeply within Morocco’s human rights landscape. Mohammed Nechnach, former Secretary General of the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights (OMDH), mourned the loss of his friend and fellow activist. Speaking with Hespress, a Moroccan online news outlet, Nechnach called Sektaoui “one of the greatest defenders of human rights in Morocco.” This sentiment was echoed by Aziz Ghali, President of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), who shared a poignant tribute on Facebook. Alongside a photo of Sektaoui with other Moroccan human rights activists, including Nechnach, Ghali wrote, “The human rights activist and Secretary General of Amnesty Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Sektaoui, who left our world today, is a great loss for human rights activism in Morocco at a time when we all need such prominent figures.” He added, “It is truly a great loss to lose you, Mr. Mohamed Sektaoui. My sincere condolences to his family, comrades, and friends. Our condolences are one in this great affliction.”
Born in Ksar el-Kebir on March 7, 1952, Sektaoui dedicated his life to social justice. He worked as a teacher in Rabat and was a committed member of several political parties, including the National Union of Popular Forces (UNPF), the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), and the Vanguard Party. He also actively participated in the National Education Union, further demonstrating his commitment to advocating for the rights of others. His involvement in these organizations reflects a lifelong dedication to progressive values and the betterment of Moroccan society. This dedication is reminiscent of other prominent human rights defenders in the region, who often face significant challenges and risks in their pursuit of justice. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International continue to document these challenges, highlighting the importance of individuals like Sektaoui in the ongoing struggle for human rights. [Link to relevant Human Rights Watch or Amnesty International report on Morocco/North Africa]
Sektaoui’s legacy extends beyond his political affiliations. His work with Amnesty International Morocco placed him at the forefront of critical human rights issues in the country. While specific details of his work with Amnesty are not readily available in English-language sources, the outpouring of grief from prominent human rights organizations speaks volumes about his influence and the respect he commanded. This underscores the need for greater accessibility of information regarding human rights work in different languages to ensure wider recognition and support for these crucial efforts.
The funeral for Mohamed Sektaoui was held in Rabat on the afternoon of January 4, 2025. His passing serves as a reminder of the vital role individuals play in defending human rights and the profound impact they can have on their communities and the world. His dedication and tireless advocacy will be remembered and serve as an inspiration for future generations of human rights defenders.
