Assilah Moussem pays posthumous tribute to Mohamed Benaissa

ASSILAH - The Assilah Moussem paid posthumous tribute on Friday to the late Mohamed Benaissa, who had put the small northern city on the world’s cultural map thanks to his wise vision.

Politicians, researchers, writers and thinkers gathered in Assilah to pay tribute to Benaissa during the inaugural symposium of the “creativity tent” under the theme ”Mohamed Benaissa: A statesman and cultural icon.”

Hatim Bettioui, Secretary-General of the Assilah Forum Foundation, said he was honoured to receive the torch from his inspiring teacher, leader and distinguished minister Benaissa.

“I stand before you today, and the wound of the absence of the founder of the Assilah Forum and its Secretary-General is still deeply felt in our hearts. We were so attached to him that we almost imagined he would never leave us,” said Bettioui.

Assilah and its cultural festival were together a central concern in his consciousness, his mind, and his daily preoccupations, to the same extent as his preoccupation with his ministerial responsibilities, his diplomatic duties, his concern for the issues of his homeland and the Arab nation, and his deep interaction also with humanitarian issues. He was a Moroccan and Arab citizen with a humanistic horizon, characterized by enlightenment and openness,” he noted.

Bettioui said that Benaissa planted a good seed that quickly grew and turned into a mighty tree, whose branches and shade extended east and west, north and south, and gained admirers everywhere, because it sprang from a virtuous spirit and for noble aims concerned with thought and culture.

Speaking in a video aired during the symposium, former Senegalese President Macky Sall stressed that the Assilah Forum constitutes a platform of excellence, creativity and fruitful dialogue for peace and fraternity, high values that Benaissa had carried with faith and commitment.

"I would like to pay tribute to the late Mohamed Benaissa, statesman, seasoned diplomat and tireless servant of culture. Thanks to his invaluable work, the Assilah Forum is not only a showcase of Moroccan genius, but also a link between peoples, cultures and civilizations," said Sall who took part in the Moussem in 2018.

“Benaissa left us a precious legacy and a challenge to keep his legacy alive, maintain it and pass it on to future generations," he added.

Former Saudi Ambassador to the US Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud hailed Benaissa for defending the causes of Arab and Islamic nations when they worked together in the United States.

Prince Bandar stressed that he worked with Benaissa, upon his return to Rabat, on developing and enhancing the bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and the sisterly Morocco.

“I became acquainted with the city of Assilah, that dreamy city on the shores of the Atlantic, through its festivals, and specifically through its international festival, which is guaranteed success by Mohamed Benaissa, God have mercy on him. We worked together to create a qualitative leap in cultural and diplomatic activity through the Forum's programs, under the patronage and guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, and His Majesty King Hassan II, may God have mercy on them both,” said Prince Bandar.

“They were keen for the Assilah Forum to be a radiant cultural beacon and an important tributary to human activity across the world. I am fully confident that you will continue the path of the deceased to develop the Forum and complete this noble mission,” he concluded.

Nabil bin Yacoub Al Hamar, Advisor to the Bahraini King for Media Affairs, hailed his late friend Benaissa who sowed among them feelings of love and familiarity.

“Personally, I did not read about Mohamed Benaissa; I knew him and he knew me for over five decades. My knowledge of him and the friendship between us over these years made me too preoccupied to read about him,” said sobbing Hamar.

“What brought us together was a friendship cemented by mutual understanding, as if we were one person,” he said.

Hamar said he knew Benaissa as a cultured man, connected to the Arab society, and loving of everyone.

“Losing a friend is not merely losing a person; it is losing a part of one's memory, a piece of one's soul, and a series of conversations left unfinished. Nothing compares to the pain of the moment you realize that a dear friend, a great pillar like my brother Mohamed Benaissa, has departed from this world,” he said.

The Bahraini official said that we understood that, thanks to Benaissa, culture is not merely a set of traditions, but It is a living entity that is constantly changing.

Hamar said that Benaissa inspired many young people to engage in cultural work through the support and inspiration he provided.

“He had a unique ability to discover young talents and support them to become influential figures in society."

Mohamed Benaissa has left an indelible mark on the world of Arab culture. His diligent efforts remain in our hearts and minds,” he said.

“Today, we affirm the importance of continuing his path the importance of continuing his journey, and drawing strength from his legacy to promote our culture,” he added.

Hamar assured Bettioui, the bearer of the trusted torch from Benaissa, that they stand with him, support him, and affirm the continuation of the Assilah Forum.

“We promise to continue the march on his (Benaissa) path, and spread the culture and arts for which he lived and remained faithful until he surrendered his soul to the Creator,” he concluded.

This tribute is part of the 46th edition of the International Cultural Moussem of Assilah, organized under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI at the initiative of the Assilah Forum Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication - Department of Culture - and the Municipal Council of Assilah.