Morocco has been gripped by a wave of youth-led protests for over a week, with demonstrations erupting in more than a dozen cities. The movement, spearheaded by a leaderless collective known as Gen Z 212, has highlighted the growing discontent among young Moroccans over corruption, economic inequality, and inadequate public services. The protests, organized primarily through digital platforms like Discord, have drawn tens of thousands of participants, showcasing the ability of Morocco’s youth to transform online grievances into tangible action. This movement mirrors similar uprisings in countries such as Madagascar, Kenya, Peru, and Nepal, where young people are bypassing traditional institutions to demand change. In Morocco, the anger stems from stark contrasts between government spending on infrastructure for the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the country’s underfunded healthcare and education systems. With unemployment among youth soaring to 36% and over half of Moroccans under 35 considering emigration, the protests reflect deep-seated frustrations with the status quo. The demonstrators have called for the dismissal of the government, the release of detainees, and meaningful reforms to address systemic inequities. While the government has offered dialogue and promised improvements, many protesters remain skeptical, viewing these measures as insufficient and slow-moving.
