French Ministers Visit Marseille Following Mehdi Kessaci's Assassination to Reinforce Anti-Drug Trafficking Efforts

The assassination of 20-year-old Mehdi Kessaci in Marseille has deeply shocked the local community and prompted a government response, with French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez visiting the city on November 20, 2025. Their visit, coming a week after the killing, was aimed at showing the national government's commitment to fighting drug trafficking, which officials describe as a threat at least equivalent to terrorism in France.

During the visit, the ministers met separately with prison officials at Baumettes prison and with local police forces. They also held joint meetings at the police prefecture with leaders of the national police and gendarmerie, as well as discussions with prominent local elected officials. A poignant moment occurred when Darmanin and Nuñez visited Kessaci’s family, where his mother shared her profound grief.

Despite the visit's symbolic importance, many local voices considered it tardy and lacking a clear, strong action plan against entrenched drug trafficking networks. Both ministers, however, avoided dramatic declarations, opting instead to reiterate ongoing governmental actions tackling this national security challenge.

Looking ahead, a white march will be held on November 22 in Marseille to honor Mehdi Kessaci’s memory and raise awareness of the persistent drug-related violence afflicting the city. This solemn event underscores the urgent need for coordinated responses to the violence linked to narcotrafficking.

The government's response signifies recognition of the gravity of drug trafficking in Marseille, with Darmanin and Nuñez emphasizing their dedication to combating this menace. Yet the delicate balance between symbolic gestures and concrete strategies remains under scrutiny in this tense moment for Marseille and French authorities.