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At a ceremony held at the Tanger Med port, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity paid tribute to Oualid Al Jabari, a seaman with Africa Morocco Link (AML), in recognition of his courageous actions during the accident that occurred at the port of Algeciras on the night of September 1.

The ceremony featured the presentation of a certificate of bravery and an award of recognition to Oualid El Jebari, in acknowledgement of his courage. Through this tribute, the Foundation sought to highlight an act of commitment that fully reflects the mission of Operation Marhaba: staying close to Moroccans Living Abroad, providing them with assistance and support, and responding swiftly and humanely to situations of distress they may encounter.

The accident occurred when a vehicle carrying a family of Moroccans Residing Abroad fell into the waters of the port of Algeciras. The tragedy claimed two lives, while two people were rescued, notably thanks to the intervention of Oualid El Jebari.

Abdellah Omar Moussa, Project Manager at the Foundation, stressed that this act reflected a spontaneous human response, driven by a strong sense of awareness and responsibility, with no expectation of recognition and without prior preparation. He noted that it embodies the values of solidarity, cooperation, mutual assistance and social cohesion that the Foundation seeks to promote within Moroccan society, adding that such actions are an essential foundation for living together and fostering solidarity within the Moroccan community.

For his part, Oualid El Jebari expressed his appreciation to the Foundation, explaining that his intervention was above all an expression of the values and instincts that characterise Moroccans. He also noted that his training and experience as a seaman had taught him to make saving lives his first priority, in accordance with maritime safety principles.

The ceremony was attended by the Consul General of the Kingdom of Morocco in Algeciras, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Residing Abroad, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, the Merchant Marine Directorate, and port and security authorities.

Beyond individual recognition, this tribute reflects the Foundation’s commitment to highlighting acts that give concrete expression to the values of solidarity and mutual assistance at the heart of Operation Marhaba. It also serves as a reminder that, in situations of vulnerability, presence, readiness to help and the ability to act can make all the difference.