Hamid Berrada, a veteran Moroccan journalist and former senior reporter at Jeune Afrique, has died at the age of 87. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2026. Berrada was born in 1939 in Tangier, Morocco, and was educated in philosophy, law, and political sociology. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his in-depth interviews with high-profile Maghrebi and Arab personalities.
Berrada's career spanned several decades, during which he held prominent positions in various media outlets. He served as the editor-in-chief of Jeune Afrique from 1974 to 1985, a French-language weekly magazine founded and directed by Tunisian Béchir Ben Yahmed. Berrada continued to collaborate with Jeune Afrique until the late 1990s. He later became the director for the Maghreb and Middle East region at French-language TV channel TV5.
In addition to his work in print and broadcast media, Berrada was also a popular television presenter. From 2007 to 2018, he hosted the program "Mais Encore?" on Moroccan television channel 2M. His analyses of Maghrebi affairs and interviews with influential politicians were highly regarded. Berrada's unique approach to journalism, which included writing by hand with a pencil and notebook, earned him a reputation as a traditional and meticulous journalist.
Colleagues and friends of Berrada have shared their memories of him. Hassan Aaloui, a former colleague, recalled Berrada's distinctive writing style and described him as a "seigneur du journalisme" who reminded him of the famous journalist Albert Londres. Aaloui praised Berrada's curiosity, honesty, and attention to detail. Ridha Kéfi, founder and director of Kapitalis, also remembered Berrada fondly, highlighting his ability to diffuse tense situations and his respectful yet frank interactions with colleagues.
Berrada's departure from Jeune Afrique was felt deeply by his colleagues, and he maintained friendships with many of them after leaving the organization. Kéfi noted that Berrada had a special talent for finding the right words to ease tensions and that his exchanges with Ben Yahmed were often memorable. The two journalists had a deep respect for each other, which allowed for frank discussions.
Berrada's legacy as a journalist is marked by his contributions to the understanding of Maghrebi and Arab affairs. His interviews with prominent figures, including Rached Ghannouchi during his exile in London, are still remembered today. Through his work, Berrada built a reputation as a knowledgeable and insightful journalist who was able to navigate complex issues with ease.
The news of Berrada's passing has been met with tributes from the journalistic community. His unique approach to journalism and his commitment to accuracy and fairness have left a lasting impact on the field. As a respected and accomplished journalist, Berrada will be remembered for his dedication to his craft and his contributions to the understanding of the Maghreb region.
Key points
- Hamid Berrada, a renowned Moroccan journalist, has died at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of in-depth interviews and analyses of Maghrebi and Arab affairs.
