Morocco has witnessed an unprecedented wave of youth-led protests for the eighth consecutive day, as thousands of young demonstrators took to the streets across the nation to demand significant improvements in public health and education services. The protests, organized by the online collective GenZ 212, have challenged the perception of Moroccan youth as politically apathetic and have highlighted growing discontent with social inequalities and corruption. The group, which operates primarily on the web platform Discord, has mobilized its 180,000 members to stage peaceful rallies in 14 cities, including Tetouan, Casablanca, and Rabat. Demonstrators have been chanting slogans such as ‘The people want an end to corruption’ and ‘Freedom, dignity, and social justice,’ reflecting their broader demands for systemic reforms. The protests gained momentum following reports of the deaths of eight pregnant women at a public hospital in Agadir, which activists cite as evidence of the healthcare system’s failures. While the gatherings have been largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence have occurred, including a confrontation in the village of Lqliaa that resulted in three fatalities. GenZ 212 has emphasized its commitment to nonviolence and continues to call for the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whose term ends next year. The protests mark a significant shift in Morocco’s political landscape, as young people take a more active role in advocating for change.
