Story perspectives

Mauritania's Anti-Slavery Advocate Boubacar Messaoud Dies at 80

3/26/2026

42 9

Summary

Story summary

Boubacar Ould Messaoud, a Mauritanian anti-slavery advocate and co-founder of SOS-Esclaves, died on March 12 at age 80.
He co-founded SOS-Esclaves in 1995 to combat slavery and to publicize enslaved people's struggles.
Messaoud described the plight of enslaved people as "revolting" and fought against bondage imposed by the light-skinned Moors.
His death marks a significant loss for Mauritania's anti-slavery movement, where forced labor remains a persistent issue.

1 of 1

Story summary

Boubacar Ould Messaoud, a Mauritanian anti-slavery advocate and co-founder of SOS-Esclaves, died on March 12 at age 80.
He co-founded SOS-Esclaves in 1995 to combat slavery and to publicize enslaved people's struggles.
Messaoud described the plight of enslaved people as "revolting" and fought against bondage imposed by the light-skinned Moors.
His death marks a significant loss for Mauritania's anti-slavery movement, where forced labor remains a persistent issue.