Following a wave of Royal appointments on March 24, 2025, a new chapter is beginning for three of Morocco’s most prominent public institutions. Three seasoned figures, each with a strong track record and deep-rooted experience, have been chosen to breathe new life into vital pillars of the country’s public governance: the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE), the National Authority for Integrity and Anti-Corruption (INPPLC), and the Office of the Mediator. Here’s a closer look at the backgrounds and ambitions of these new leaders.
Abdelkader Amara steps into his new role as president of the CESE after a long and diverse career at the intersection of science, politics, and public policy. Born in Bouarfa in 1962, Amara holds a PhD in sciences from the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute in Rabat. His early career took him abroad, where he served as a scientific advisor to the World Academy of Sciences in Sweden. But it was back home in Morocco that he built his political legacy, holding high-level positions in several key ministries—Commerce, Industry, Energy, Infrastructure, and Water.
In parliament, he played a critical role in shaping productive sectors, serving as head of the relevant commission before being appointed the institution’s first vice-president. His move to the CESE isn’t a shift, but rather an extension of his dedication to inclusive public dialogue and institutional mediation. His challenge now is to ensure the Council’s policy recommendations have real impact—particularly in areas like social protection, regional inequality, youth engagement, and citizen participation.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Benalilou brings his unwavering commitment to integrity into his new position as head of the INPPLC. Born in 1975 in Mokrisset, in the province of Ouazzane, Benalilou is a career magistrate with a solid grounding in judicial and executive institutions. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Mediator of the Kingdom, a role in which he gained widespread recognition for his balanced approach to public grievances.
Armed with a master’s degree in law and training from the Higher Institute of Judicial Studies, Benalilou has held posts across the judiciary, from the Tangier tribunal to the Court of Appeal in Rabat, as well as the Special Court of Justice. His extensive résumé includes top roles in the Justice Ministry—chief of staff to the minister, criminal policy advisor, head of human resources, and director of administration at the Supreme Judicial Council.
Now leading the fight against corruption, Benalilou intends to shift the focus toward prevention. His vision calls for stronger collaboration with judicial bodies and a clear, educational approach to reform—one that is both methodical and public-facing.
Finally, Hassan Tariq is bringing a fresh perspective to the Institution of the Mediator. Born in 1974 in Bhalil, Tariq is a public law scholar, diplomat, and former lawmaker whose eclectic career blends academia, diplomacy, and grassroots politics. He earned his doctorate in public law from Mohammed V University in Rabat and most recently served as Morocco’s ambassador to Tunisia.
Tariq began his professional journey as a tax inspector before moving into advisory roles within the Ministry of Youth. From 2011 to 2016, he was a member of parliament, contributing to the Justice and Human Rights Commission. He also coordinated a national network of department heads in public law and political science, demonstrating his ability to bridge the worlds of theory and practice.
As he takes charge of the Mediator’s office, Tariq is determined to modernize the institution by adopting digital tools and expanding its reach. His mission is clear: rebuild trust between citizens and the state by making public services more accessible, transparent, and responsive to everyday concerns.
