French firefighter of Moroccan origin battles systemic racism in public service

Ya Biladi

6 days ago

Mohamed El Mimouni has spent the past 25 years in service to others. Since 1997, this Frenchman of Moroccan descent has volunteered tirelessly, but despite his dedication, he has been dismissed twice from the fire brigade. Not because of a lack of commitment, but, as Mediapart reports, because he dared to speak out about the discrimination he experienced.
«There will be no Arab in my fire station», a station chief in Orne once said. El Mimouni eventually secured a position there after challenging the decision. In 2018, his wife created a Facebook page titled Moi, Momo, je dénonce to draw attention to the racism he faced. Two years later, that public exposure came at a cost: his contract was not renewed. However, in 2022, a court ruled in his favor and ordered his reinstatement.
After relocating to the Hautes-Pyrénées, he applied to join the Lourdes fire station. He passed the interview and met all the physical requirements. But during his initial training, his involvement in past legal proceedings came up. «How will you react if a colleague makes a remark?» one trainer asked, questioning his ability to «integrate», a comment that ultimately led to his rejection.
«I'm French. I was born here, raised here, trained here, and yet my name is enough to disqualify me the moment someone opens an envelope», El Mimouni said. «What did I do wrong? I spoke out about discrimination within a fire and rescue service. Is that a crime I should have kept quiet about?»
His story sheds light on the invisible barriers faced by French citizens of Moroccan origin, even in public institutions that are supposed to embody equality. Those who denounce racism often find themselves met with suspicion, exclusion, and isolation.
Though he no longer expects to return to firefighting, El Mimouni is committed to pursuing justice through the courts. «Things must change. We can't let decisions like these go unchallenged, for the sake of those who come after us», he said.