On Wednesday, October 1, for the fifth consecutive night, protests erupted in various parts of Morocco. What originally started as peaceful protests regarding the lack of education and healthcare resources have now escalated into large-scale violent clashes. According to official reports, at least two people have been killed in clashes with security forces, and hundreds have been arrested.
The protests were initiated by an anonymous youth group called “GenZ 212” through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, primarily attracting young participants. They criticize the government for investing substantial funds in the 2030 World Cup sports infrastructure while hospitals and schools suffer from insufficient funding.
Protesters chant slogans like “The stadiums are built, but where are the hospitals?” demanding anti-corruption measures and improved public services. Reports from Reuters indicate that the online community members of “GenZ 212” surged from 3,000 to over 130,000 within a week.
Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, leading to government investments in infrastructure development while basic healthcare services domestically remain lacking. Local media previously reported a series of eight maternal deaths at a public hospital in Agadir, further fueling public discontent.
The government has denied allegations of misappropriating World Cup funds, attributing healthcare issues to problems inherited from previous administrations.
Peaceful demonstrations began to spiral out of control this week. On the evening of October 1, in Salé across the river from the capital Rabat, hundreds of masked youth set fire to banks and shops, looted properties, burned vehicles. Incidents were reported of police stations being set on fire in Marrakech and government offices being destroyed in the town of Sidi Bibi. In Biougra in the south, banks and shops were also vandalized and looted.
In Lqliaa, southern Agadir, a group of young individuals attempted to raid a gendarme post to seize weapons. After tear gas failed to disperse the crowd, security forces opened fire, resulting in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries.
Despite organizers on Discord reaffirming that they do not seek confrontation with security forces but rather critique government policies and urge for peaceful protests, violence continues to spread.
The Ministry of Interior reported that as of October 1, 409 individuals had been arrested, some on charges of arson and assaulting officers. Additionally, 263 officers and 23 civilians were injured, and 142 police cars and 20 private vehicles were burned. Authorities emphasized that all gatherings were “unauthorized” and would be strictly penalized.
The Moroccan Human Rights Association (AMDH) stated that 37 individuals, including 6 minors, were arrested in Oujda in the east. Amnesty International urged authorities to address the legitimate demands of the youth and avoid exacerbating repression.
Official data reveals that Morocco’s unemployment rate stands at 12.8%, with youth unemployment reaching 35.8%, and nearly 20% of university graduates also facing unemployment.
The Moroccan parliament announced a meeting scheduled for Thursday chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to discuss reforms in the healthcare system and hospitals.