Mohand Barrache, better known as Mohand Taferka, was born on June 27, 1950 (aged 73) in Ighil Nacer, a commune of Akbou (Bejaia). Early in his career, Mohand worked in the French Navy for ten years before joining SONATRACH and working in southern Algeria. His friends and former colleagues describe him as an affable man who enjoys debating, especially about history, languages and cultures. Mohand is a lover of his homeland, Kabylia, and its culture. Mohand was a former member of the Taftilt Association. He also wrote a play performed by the villagers.
In the 90s, Mohand Taferka emigrated to France. He set up the Taferka (Afrique in Tamazight) association in Montreuil on April 22, 1998. For him, “Taferka” refers to the African continent and the cultivated and harvested land (tiferkiwine). His association offers courses in Tamazight and French and organizes conferences on various topics. It also provides classes in Kabyle and Oriental dance and computer skills. On Saturdays, Taferka offers legal assistance and cultural and educational outings. In its 26 years of existence, the association has organized over 200 conferences. Its premises have become a meeting place for young immigrants.
In addition to his association work, Mohand Taferka was a presenter on Berbère TV for nine years. His commitment to broadcasting enables the public to (re)discover Amazigh poets and writers. Mohand travels the length and breadth of Kabylia, reporting on the villages and people of the region. Throughout these two decades of commitment, Mohand has always remained a volunteer. He receives no salary for his associative and media activities, believing that this work must be motivated by a love of culture and commitment.
In recent years, Mohand Taferka has made several trips back to Algeria to visit his family and native land. On April 27, 2023, Mohand was stopped at the port of Algiers on his way to Marseille. He was taken to the police in charge of fighting transnational organized crime in Saoula (Algiers). He was released but banned from leaving the country (ISTN). On November 15, 2023, the examining magistrate of the Sidi M’hamed court placed him under a committal order despite his 73 years of age and very fragile state of health. Mohand Taferka suffers from several chronic illnesses, and his health has deteriorated in Koléa prison (Tipaza). His trial is scheduled for May 21, 2024, at the Dar El Beida criminal court (Algiers).
