Protests have erupted in Morocco, driven by young people demanding change
Demonstrations in more than a dozen cities have jolted Moroccofor a week straight, with the young people behind them showing they can translate digital discontent into a real-world movement that authorities can’t ignore.
The North African nation is the latest to be rocked by “Gen Z” protests against corruption, lack of opportunity and business as usual.
Similar movements have risen in countries such as Madagascar, Kenya, Peru, and Nepal. They differ in origin but share in common a refusal to go through institutions like political parties or unions to be heard.
In Morocco, anger has boiled over contrasts between government spending on stadiums in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup and a subpar health system that lags behind countries with similarly sized economies.
Here’s what to know:
A leaderless collective called Gen Z 212 — named after Morocco’s dialing code — is the engine behind the protests. Members debate strategy on Discord, a chat app popular with gamers and teens. The core group has about 180,000 members, but spin-offs have also sprouted, organizing demonstrations in towns independently.
Like other nations swept by Gen Z protests, Morocco is experiencing a youth bulge, with more than half of the population under 35. Yet as the country pours billions into infrastructure and tourism, unemployment for Moroccans ages 15-24 has climbed to 36%. And with opportunity lacking, more than half of Moroccans under 35 say they have considered emigrating, according to a June survey from Afrobarometer.
When midweek demonstrations turned violent, officials said most participants were minors and rights groups say many detained were under 18.
Morocco is Africa’s most visited country, appealing to tourists from around the world with its medieval palaces, bustling markets, and sweeping mountain and desert landscapes. But not far from tourist routes, the daily reality for most of Morocco’s 37 million people includes soaring costs of living and stagnating wages.
The North African Kingdom has made significant strides in lifting standards of living, but critics say that development has been uneven and even exacerbated inequities.
