Moroccan Political Leader Mahjoubi Aherdane Dies at 99

The news was announced the same day by the Secretary General of the party, Mohand Laenser, adding that the political leader passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

The former Secretary General of the National Popular Movement had caused controversy by defending General Oufkir, the main author of the coup against King Hassan II. "Oufkir was a patriot, he was an officer who had a level," he had replied to journalists, when his memoirs on the period 1942-1961 were published.

A former soldier, a fervent defender of Amazigh culture, but also an artist, Mahjoubi Aherdane had been entrusted with several ministerial portfolios under Hassan II.