Décès de Boubakar Ould Messaoud : Un pionnier de la lutte anti-esclavagiste en Mauritanie
Boubakar Ould Messaoud, born on May 15, 1945, in Rosso, Mauritania, and an emblematic figure in the fight against slavery, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026. President of the organization SOS Slaves and a pioneer of human rights in his country, his death was widely reported by Mauritanian media and various digital platforms. The website Madar – Sahel and Africa News describes him as one of the first figures to take the fight against slavery beyond national borders, raising awareness within the international community, particularly in Europe and other parts of the world.
Faced with the persistence of slavery in Mauritania, Boubakar Ould Messaoud founded SOS Slaves on February 16, 1995, in Nouakchott. The NGO obtained official recognition only ten years later, on May 17, 2005. Before this key milestone, its members had to endure a decade of repression from the Mauritanian authorities, who accused them of running an unauthorized organization.
SOS Slaves has set itself the ambitious goal of fighting for the promotion of the rule of law, good governance, the elimination of torture, and above all, the eradication of all forms of slavery. It also intervenes on behalf of victims by offering them psychological and moral support, legal, financial, and material assistance, as well as support for their social reintegration.
His struggle, long ignored and hampered, gradually gained prominence in national discussions. Despite numerous obstacles, he consistently prioritized dialogue and education over sterile confrontations. This determination was rewarded in 2023 when President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani awarded him the medal of Officer of the National Order of Merit. A belated but highly symbolic recognition for someone who was long perceived as the main opponent of those defending the status quo.
Many internet users have expressed their sadness at this disappearance, which they consider a huge loss not only for Mauritania, but also for the oppressed throughout the world.
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