Moroccan journalist Hamid Barrada dies at 87

Moroccan journalist Hamid Barrada has died at the age of 87, leaving a major void in Moroccan and francophone media, followed closely by many Moroccans living abroad.

The journey of a pioneer of Moroccan journalism

Born in Tangier in 1939, Hamid Barrada became involved early in student and political life. In 1962, he was elected president of the National Union of Moroccan Students. He then pursued studies in philosophy, law and political sociology.

After moving to France, he joined the weekly magazine Jeune Afrique as a correspondent and then as a journalist. There, he covered Morocco and the Maghreb during a period of political tension and transformation. Moroccan journalist Hamid Barrada went on to become editor-in-chief for more than a decade, from 1974 to 1985.

His work helped bring a Moroccan perspective into the francophone debate on the Arab world and Africa, at a time when many Moroccans abroad relied on such outlets to follow events back home.

Moroccan journalist Hamid Barrada and his audiovisual influence

Beyond print media, Hamid Barrada also built an important career in broadcasting. He headed the Maghreb and Middle East department at the francophone channel TV5. From Europe, he contributed to highlighting the region’s political and cultural issues for an international audience.

In Morocco, the wider public came to know him through the channel 2M. From 2007 to 2018, he hosted the talk show “Mais Encore”, a space for in-depth conversations and debate. The programme welcomed cultural figures, thinkers and public personalities, and became a rare platform for long-format dialogue, appreciated as well by Moroccans abroad during their visits to the country.

For many viewers, the show became a reference point to understand the major changes shaping contemporary Morocco and the ideas driving them.

An engaged intellectual between history and transmission

Hamid Barrada’s contribution was not limited to newsrooms. He taught at university and directed two documentary films, extending his reflection on the political history of Morocco and the wider region.

He also took part, as a witness, in closed-door hearings of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission, whose work began in 2004. This participation underlined his role in preserving the memory of the so‑called “years of lead” and his concern for passing on the stories and lessons of that period.

For families settled abroad, often looking for clear narratives to explain the country’s past to younger generations, the work of intellectuals such as Moroccan journalist Hamid Barrada has been an important point of reference.

A legacy for Moroccans at home and abroad

The passing of Hamid Barrada affects not only media professionals but also Moroccans who grew up with his analyses, whether in Morocco, Europe or other host countries. His journey illustrates how a voice from Tangier managed to connect several shores, between Rabat, Paris and major francophone capitals.

As many Moroccans abroad continue to follow national news through francophone media, the legacy of this pioneer is a reminder of the importance of rigorous journalism that maintains a strong link between the country and its global communities.

• A career rooted in Moroccan and international media
• A key role at Jeune Afrique and TV5
• A landmark talk show on 2M, “Mais Encore”
• A witness to Morocco’s contemporary political history

His death opens a time for tributes and reflection, in Morocco and across Moroccan communities worldwide, on the mark he left through his work and his commitment.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

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