Youth-led demonstrators demand better schools and hospitals and call for Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to resign, as unrest spreads across at least a dozen cities
Rabat, Morocco — Youth-led demonstrators in Morocco took to the streets on Thursday for a sixth straight night despite fears of further violence after police shot and killed three people the night before.
The protests, led by a loose movement known as Gen Z 212, have swept through at least a dozen cities, including Casablanca, Rabat and Agadir. Crowds chanted for better schools, improved hospitals, and the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. While largely peaceful, some marches have devolved into riots, with banks looted, shops damaged, and cars set ablaze.
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The protests were sparked by public anger over the deaths of eight women in childbirth at a hospital in Agadir, which many see as emblematic of the country’s deteriorating healthcare system. That anger has combined with frustration over massive government spending on stadiums and infrastructure for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, while social services remain underfunded.
On Wednesday night, three people were killed when police opened fire on protesters in Leqliaa, a small town outside Agadir. The Interior Ministry claimed they were attempting to seize police weapons, though eyewitnesses have not confirmed that account. Authorities said 354 people were injured during the unrest, most of them law enforcement officers, and more than 1,000 protesters were arrested.
Despite the deaths, Thursday’s demonstrations remained largely peaceful. Protesters directed their anger at Prime Minister Akhannouch, chanting “The people want to topple Akhannouch” and “Government out!” In some cities, crowds also appealed directly to King Mohammed VI, urging him to intervene against the government.
In his first public remarks since the unrest began, Akhannouch expressed sorrow over the deaths and praised police for maintaining order. He said the government was prepared to respond “favorably” to the protesters’ concerns, without providing details. “The approach based on dialogue is the only way to deal with the various problems faced by our country,” he said.
The Interior Ministry estimates that 70 percent of the protesters are minors, underscoring the youth-driven nature of the uprising. With parliamentary elections scheduled for 2026 and Morocco set to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, the demonstrations highlight growing frustration among younger generations over corruption, economic inequality, and inadequate public services.
One popular chant heard throughout the week was: “Health care first, we don’t want the World Cup.” Another refrain captured the sentiment even more sharply: “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”
As the Gen Z 212 movement grows, many fear the protests could spread further in the coming days. For now, Morocco’s youth insist their demands are clear: dignity, health, education, and accountability.
Violence Erupts as Morocco Protests Continue
Protests in Morocco turned violent on Wednesday evening, with clashes reported in several cities following days of mass arrests, particularly in areas struggling with unemployment and poor social services.
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights said more than 1,000 people have been detained, including some arrested on live TV and others captured on video by local media.
Despite warnings from authorities and calls from the Gen Z 212 movement urging peaceful demonstrations, clashes intensified. Footage shows protesters throwing rocks and setting vehicles on fire in towns across eastern and southern Morocco.
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