Death of Mohamed Lakhdar Ellala, a historic figure of Tunisian left

Mohamed Lakhdar Ellala, an iconic figure of Tunisian left and a historic leader of the student movement, has passed away in Tunis. The patriarch of the Association of Tunisians in France (ATF), of which he was honorary president, will be buried on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in his hometown of Nefta. His death marks the loss of a committed activist at the heart of Tunisian struggles since the 1970s. A former leader of the February 1972 movement and a key figure at the Korba Congress of the General Union of Tunisian Students (Uget), Lakhdar fought for the autonomy of student and trade union organizations against the centralization of power. His struggle took another turn in France, where he founded the ATF and actively participated in the defense of immigrant rights. His actions also supported the UGTT in France after the events of January 26, 1978, illustrating his transnational commitment. The Federation of Tunisians for a Citizenship of Both Sides (FTCR) praised his militant journey, highlighting his role in promoting equality, fighting racism, and solidarity with Tunisian movements. His legacy, carried by the ATF and the FTCR, remains a cornerstone of Tunisian left. His close friends, family, and comrades pay tribute to him in a climate of national and international mourning.