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In a poignant display of resilience, Amine Kessaci, a 22-year-old anti-drug activist, is contesting the upcoming municipal elections in Marseille, despite being the target of death threats and having lost two brothers to gang-related violence. His campaign, rooted in a commitment to combat drug trafficking, comes at a time when drug-related crime is surging in France, particularly in the city that has long been a focal point for the illicit drug trade.
A Personal Tragedy Fuels Activism
Kessaci’s activism is deeply personal. He buried his older brother, Brahim, at the age of 17 after Brahim was found dead in a burned car, a victim of the very violence Kessaci now seeks to eradicate. Just last November, his younger brother, Mehdi, was killed in a shooting believed to be orchestrated by drug gangs attempting to intimidate the activist. Reflecting on his losses, Kessaci stated, “In the mourning I’m going through, the message I want to convey is that I will not be silent.” His words underscore a determination to raise awareness and advocate for change amidst overwhelming grief.
The city of Marseille, France’s second-largest urban area, has recently witnessed mass protests against drug trafficking, particularly following Mehdi’s death. Thousands of residents marched to voice their frustration over the escalating violence and the pervasive influence of drug gangs within their communities. Kessaci, who grew up in Frais Vallon, a housing project notorious for its crime rates and drug-related activities, is now positioning himself as a candidate on the list of Marseille’s current left-wing mayor, Benoît Payan.
Challenging the “Narcocracy”
Kessaci’s initiative is not merely driven by personal loss; it aims to dismantle a culture he refers to as “narcocracy,” where drug traffickers exert control over communities, affecting daily life and perpetuating cycles of poverty and violence. With cocaine trafficking in France reaching alarming levels—110 drug-related homicides recorded in 2024 alone—Kessaci is adamant about confronting this issue head-on through local governance.
He advocates for a grassroots approach that prioritises community engagement, proposing enhanced local policing to build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and residents. By increasing the police presence in impoverished areas and fostering community-led initiatives, Kessaci hopes to disrupt the hold that drug gangs have on vulnerable populations.
A Vision for Change
In addition to addressing drug trafficking, Kessaci’s platform includes improving living conditions in housing projects, focusing on education, job training, and the revitalisation of local businesses. He believes that creating employment opportunities for young people is vital in counteracting the allure of the drug trade. Simple infrastructural changes, such as replacing mobile trash dumpsters with fixed bins, are part of his strategy to improve the local environment and reduce opportunities for drug dealers to operate unimpeded.
Despite facing significant threats, including police protection following the recent targeting of his life, Kessaci remains undeterred. He has previously run for a seat in the National Assembly, narrowly losing to a far-right candidate, but he continues to champion a vision that empowers local communities against the backdrop of systemic violence.
Why it Matters
Kessaci’s campaign is crucial not only for Marseille but also for broader efforts to confront drug-related violence across France. As drug trafficking continues to infiltrate various regions, including rural areas, his grassroots approach offers a potential model for integrating community resilience with effective policing. By prioritising dialogue and trust-building between residents and law enforcement, Kessaci’s efforts could pave the way for meaningful change in a society grappling with the devastating consequences of drug crime. His refusal to back down in the face of threats serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of activism in the fight against systemic injustice.
