Mystery surrounds tragic death of 15-year-old shepherd in Midelt

The discovery of the body of 15-year-old shepherd Mohamed Bouislikhen, found hanged on Monday (June 16) near a waterway in Douar Ait Zaarour, in the Aghbalou n'Serdan commune, Midelt province, has sent shockwaves through the local community. The circumstances of his death remain unclear. Human rights organizations have rejected the possibility of suicide and are calling for a full investigation to uncover the truth.

In a statement, the Draa-Tafilalet branch of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights described the incident as «a profound shock to public opinion» and said it raises serious concerns about the safety and protection of children in their social environments. The association is calling for «an urgent, fair, and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances of this tragic death and to identify any legal responsibilities».

The group also stressed the importance of «upholding the right to truth and justice to ensure such painful events are not repeated», and condemned any possible negligence in the case. It drew attention to the harsh realities of rural childhood and the marginalization, isolation, and exclusion experienced by nomadic shepherd children in the absence of adequate legal and social protections.

The association described the «Midelt tragedy» as more than just a family disaster, calling it «a new alarm bell demanding urgent and responsible action to preserve what remains of childhood dignity and the sacred right to life». It emphasized that protecting children is a «collective responsibility» requiring the mobilization of all relevant actors to ensure a safe environment free from fear, neglect, and violence.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan Center for Human Rights has called for «an urgent and impartial judicial investigation to uncover the full circumstances of the death, reveal the truth, and determine legal accountability if any criminal wrongdoing is found».

The center also denounced the continued prevalence of child labor in illegal and exploitative conditions, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. It urged the Moroccan government to «assume its responsibility by implementing social programs to protect children, ensure access to education, support families, and end all forms of economic exploitation of children, especially in remote regions».