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Mohamed Benaïssa: The Final Journey of a Bridge Builder
A great man left us on February 28, taking with him the brilliance of a life dedicated to the homeland. An exceptional minister, an inspiring mentor, a loyal friend, he leaves behind much more than a memory: an indelible legacy engraved in our history. Today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs mourns one of its most illustrious representatives, Mohamed Benaïssa, a statesman whose spirit greatly upheld the ideals of his country, Morocco.
Until the very end, he embodied excellence. On the first day of Ramadan, his funeral procession passed through the white and blue streets of Asilah, a silent witness to the admiration he inspired. A procession where those who loved him gathered in great numbers, from Driss Jettou (former Prime Minister) to Nasser Bourita (the current Minister of Foreign Affairs), including Nizar Baraka (Minister of Water and Equipment), Nabil Benabdellah (former Minister of Housing), and Driss Dahak.
A man of great listening
The city of Asilah, where he served as mayor until his last breath, stood still in a poignant tribute, whispering his name with respect and affection. He was not an elected official like any other, but a beacon shining far beyond his duties. And in the wake of his departure, he leaves not just a simple mourning, but an immense void, that singular absence that only exceptional souls can impose upon the world.
El Caballero, as some of his close friends liked to call him, was not only full of life. In fact, it seems he lived several lives. From Culture to Foreign Affairs, and locally in Asilah, he was perfectly suited for the successive roles he held with excellence. He possessed the rare grace of those always in their elements, even in responsibilities that were often polar opposites of each other. His trademark was that of a man of great listening, someone who mastered the art of consensus and adhesion like no one else.
An exceptional diplomat, he was a man of all fields. Like a chameleon, he navigated through the most complex and difficult meetings with our partners, possessing a sharp political sense that was his alone to master. During visits to Latin America, where I had the immense honor of accompanying him, I witnessed his craft in action.
His ease with the heads of state in the region, who welcomed him readily for extended audiences in their presidential palaces, demonstrates—if proof were needed—the gentleman’s charm. From little Spanish tunes to in-depth geopolitical analysis, he had more than one card up his sleeve. In Spain, his personal relationships with José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, and Ana Palacio went far beyond strictly professional contacts, with his mastery of the Spanish language being an added advantage.
Dialogue and humility
His charm was a powerful and formidable diplomatic weapon. He had access everywhere, and at the highest levels. This was particularly true in Africa, a continent he knew well, having worked there at a young age in Addis Ababa and Accra. His affection for the continent only grew throughout his career, especially after the birth of his first daughter, Chafia, in Addis Ababa. In doing so, he not only understood the diversity of Africa but also the sensitivities of its people. Benaïssa was a man of connections.
From Léopold Sédar Senghor to Kofi Annan, passing through Cheikh Tidiane Gadio and Moustapha Niasse, his close friends held him in high regard. The human aspect was central to everything he undertook. The rigidity of talking points sometimes annoyed him, but he knew all too well their importance. I remember him always asking me if I had thoroughly checked and validated my talking points and speeches with Taïeb Fassi Fihri, with whom he formed a dynamic duo at the helm of our diplomacy.
El Caballero was a man of dialogue and commitment, very close to the people, always attentive to those he interacted with. He consulted his collaborators with great humility. I remember the lunches he shared with us, Fouad Yazourh (then Director of Communications) and me, when I held the position of Director General at the Ministry. These moments were always an opportunity to enjoy delicious vegetable and fish tagines, prepared with love by his family.
With the perspective of the years, one fundamental thing stands out to me. Fully dedicated to his duties in service to two monarchs, the late Hassan II and His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Mohamed Benaïssa was an exceptional patriot who always placed the defense of Morocco's interests and its territorial integrity at the heart of his actions. He followed with passion the challenges facing his country in all their dimensions (political, diplomatic, economic…), supporting the dynamics at play with a true force of conviction and listening.
He was present at all meetings that matter. As Ambassador in Washington, he continued to shine by positioning himself as an essential reference for the State Department and Congress. His deep knowledge of Arab issues, of which he was a central figure, made him a frequent consultant and someone whose opinions were always listened to when he had an action, a message, or an analysis to share. His personal relationship with Madeleine Albright was marked by mutual respect and trust, which extended beyond their ministerial roles into their close collaboration at Aspen (a renowned American think tank). His status as a member of the very select group of former foreign ministers at the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the United Arab Emirates further reflects his closeness with several Arab leaders.
A Pure Mediterranean
He inspired serenity, patience, and caution. Compromise often came to his aid during negotiations, without him having to make any real sacrifice. Skilled, he used this strength to guide our partners where he wanted them to go. Far from manipulation, he believed that diplomacy is an art of influence centered around a common project where everyone finds their benefit. He had a rare finesse in untangling knots and building bridges.
His integrity and sharpness of mind will remain ever-present. He was a rigorous thinker, a passionate politician, a combatant democrat, and an artist in his spare time. He had an advanced sense of aesthetics. His political vision often intersected with his cultural destiny.
In his hometown, Mohamed Benaïssa made the Asilah Forum Foundation, of which he was secretary, a platform for free expression and a privileged space for in-depth dialogue. He cared little for formalities, addressing each year’s most pressing issues, as he liked to remind others. Key topics included the delicate issue of borders in Africa, the Arab diaspora elites, religious movements and the political scene, as well as the values of justice and democratic systems.
In short, Benaïssa was a pure Mediterranean. An elegant and warm man, with a magnetic presence. A voice that resonated and a personality that inspired. He was deeply imbued with unwavering love for the nation. He had a profound sense of the state. A friendly, courteous, discreet, humble man, a tireless worker, and an effective mediator. For all this and much more, he will not only be missed but, most importantly, never forgotten by those who had the privilege of being close to him.
Youssef Amrani
Link to the original text (Jeuneafrique):