UN Mandela Prize 2025: Makhzen’s Nomination, A Moral and Political Farce

Moroccan human rights activists and journalists considered their country’s nomination for the 2025 United Nations Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize a “moral and political scandal and an official whitewash of its dark criminal record.”

They called for the nomination to be withdrawn to preserve the credibility of the UN international institution.

In an article titled “Morocco’s Nomination for the Mandela Prize… When the Executioner Demands the Victim’s Medal,” Moroccan blogger and human rights activist Mohamed Kandil said, “Morocco’s nomination for this prize is yet another farce added to the archive of official impudence of the Makhzen regime.”

He added, “When Morocco nominates itself for the Nelson Mandela Prize, it’s as if the Makhzen is asking the world to believe that mass graves, secret prisons, and torture chambers are merely transient human rights violations.”

He emphasised in this context that “the National Council for Human Rights in Morocco, whose president, Amina Bouayach, was nominated for this prize, has become nothing more than a human rights polishing arm for the repressive apparatus. How can it now be presented to the world as the face of human rights in Morocco after all that it has done to the Rif movement, journalists, and political prisoners?” He emphasized that “the Makhzen regime does not represent the people or the victims, but rather is merely a security institution adept at public relations at international forums.”

He explained in this context that “Amina Bouayach is neither an activist nor an independent woman, but rather a mere intelligence agent, recruited within the official propaganda network, called upon when necessary to endorse the crimes of the Makhzen state, distort the reports of international organizations, and cover up the various forms of torture in the country.”

He asked sarcastically, “Who’s the Mandela that Morocco wants to emulate? Is he Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for defending dignity and freedom? Or the Mandela of the Makhzen, who imprisons activists on 27 fabricated charges in a 27-minute sham trial?”

The Moroccan human rights activist believes that Morocco’s nomination for this prize is a “moral and political scandal,” adding, “Awarding Morocco this prize is an official whitewash of a dark record and a slap in the face of every prisoner of conscience, every mother who lost her son under torture, and every Moroccan who was displaced or persecuted for daring to say no to injustice, tyranny, and corruption.”

For his part, Moroccan writer and journalist Ali Lahrouchi wrote in an article that “Morocco’s nomination for this prize is an insult to United Nations institutions, as the Nelson Mandela Prize is a global recognition of human commitment to principles, values, and ethics, the prioritization of the public interest over personal interest, transcending vengeful thinking, and remaining patient and steadfast in adhering to principles…”

Ali Lahrouchi asserted that Morocco “is still living in the Middle Ages,” asking, “What has changed in Morocco for Amina Bouayach to be nominated for the prize of Nelson Mandela, the courageous fighter?”

In this regard, he emphasized that “everyone who criticized, opposed, or commented on the backward practices in Morocco was subjected to assassination, kidnapping, torture, arrest, marginalization, and retaliation through the use and subjugation of all relevant institutions, starting with the intelligence, security, gendarmerie, judiciary, and prisons, to silence all voices opposing or criticizing the dictatorial policies pursued in Morocco.”

Hence, he confirmed, “Morocco’s history is replete with all forms of human rights violations and abuses, and its mere nominating it for this prize is an insult to the freedom fighter Nelson Mandela.” He warns that Morocco’s victory “will be the last nail in the coffin of the United Nations and its institutions, which will never receive any respect.”

In turn, human rights activist and former prisoner Saida el-Alami wondered, “Morocco is submitting its nomination for the Nelson Mandela Human Rights Prize? What rights exactly, when Moroccan citizens enjoy no political, civil, or economic rights?”

In her remarks, el-Alami addressed the suffering of the Moroccan people due to the Makhzen’s policies in various sectors and their lack of the most basic rights that guarantee a decent life. She highlighted the worsening deterioration of human rights in the Kingdom, in light of the judiciary’s use of retaliation against opponents, fabricating charges against human rights activists, and violating the rights of detainees in police stations and prison cells.

The Moroccan human rights activist concluded her remarks by saying, “I don’t understand the basis on which Morocco was nominated for this prize. If Nelson Mandela were alive, he would have cancelled this award as long as the enemies of humanity continue to nominate it.”