RABAT: Morocco is on the verge of its sixth consecutive night of protests, with demonstrators calling for social change. The unrest follows violent clashes in Agadir that resulted in the deaths of three people on Wednesday. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has urged the protesters to engage in dialogue, acknowledging the tragic deaths of those involved in the protests.
The demonstrations, which began on Saturday, have been driven by widespread frustration over social inequality. Despite the government’s push for significant infrastructure projects, such as those needed for the Africa Cup of Nations next month and the 2030 World Cup, many Moroccans feel that their basic needs, like health services, are being neglected. Protesters have been chanting slogans such as “We don’t want the World Cup, health is a priority,” and “We have stadiums, but what about hospitals?”
The protests, which target government corruption and issues in public health and education, gained momentum after reports emerged of eight pregnant women dying at a public hospital in Agadir. Prime Minister Akhannouch, in his first public address since the unrest began, expressed the government’s willingness to address the protesters’ demands. He also described the violence that led to the deaths of three individuals as “regrettable.”
The Interior Ministry reported that all three deaths occurred when demonstrators attempted to storm a local law enforcement station in Agadir. Authorities initially claimed that two protesters had been killed by gunfire after trying to enter the station while allegedly wielding bladed weapons. The protests have been organized by the GenZ 212 group, which gained popularity on the online platform Discord and now boasts over 150,000 members. Despite some violent incidents, the group has urged its supporters to maintain peaceful demonstrations and avoid turning to violence.
On Thursday, protests were expected to resume at 1600 GMT (9 PM PKT), with the locations to be announced later in the day. Since the protests began, the government has arrested hundreds of young people, with more than 400 individuals detained. Nearly 300 people, mostly from security forces, have been injured in the clashes. The damage to public and private property has been significant, with over 80 establishments vandalized and numerous vehicles damaged.
Despite the violence in some cities, GenZ 212 has continued to advocate for peaceful protest methods, condemning acts of vandalism. In cities like Tangier, Tetouan, and Casablanca, protests took place under official authorization for the first time since the unrest began. Demonstrators have been calling for an end to corruption, social justice, and dignity, with some even demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Akhannouch.
While some protests have turned violent, with incidents of property destruction and vandalism, GenZ 212 maintains that these actions are not representative of their movement. Local residents, like Hicham Madani from Sale, have criticized those engaging in such acts as “young thugs” who have no connection to the movement’s aims. The group reiterated its commitment to a peaceful approach ahead of Thursday’s protests.
