Macron Pays Tribute to Kessaci Brothers Amid Marseille's Drug Violence Crisis

On December 16, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron made an unscheduled visit to the Saint-Henri cemetery in Marseille to pay respects at the graves of Mehdi and Brahim Kessaci, two brothers who fell victim to the city's persistent drug trafficking violence.

Mehdi Kessaci, aged 20, was assassinated on November 13, 2025, by assailants on motorcycles in what authorities believe was an act of intimidation targeting his brother Amine Kessaci, a noted anti-narcotics activist and ecological political candidate. Unlike Brahim, who was involved in drug trafficking and was killed in 2020 at the same age, Mehdi aspired to become a police officer and was not involved in illicit activities.

The visit was not part of Macron's official agenda but symbolized the government's commitment to tackling Marseille’s deep-rooted drug crisis. It took place during Macron's regional press tour and preceded his plan to inaugurate new police facilities aimed at reinforcing law enforcement in the city.

The judicial process continues as the trial for Brahim Kessaci's murder is set for autumn, with five defendants, including the alleged mastermind Karim Harrat, facing charges. Amine Kessaci remains active in campaigning against drug trafficking, highlighting the ongoing social impact of narcotrafic violence on Marseille’s communities.

Macron has publicly equated the fight against drug trafficking with combating terrorism, underlining the severity with which his administration approaches this issue. Local authorities, including Marseille's mayor, are eager for intensified initiatives to restore public safety in the city.

This poignant visit by President Macron underscores the human toll of Marseille’s drug-related violence and aligns with a broader governmental agenda seeking to curb organized crime and support victims and their families.