Since September 27, Morocco has been rocked by youth-led protests organised by an online network called GenZ 212. Initially focused on improving healthcare and education, the demonstrations have rapidly expanded across cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, Marrakech, and Oujda.
While some gatherings remained peaceful, others turned violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces. The deadliest incident occurred in Lqliaa, near Agadir, when demonstrators attempted to storm a gendarmerie post, setting fire to part of the building and a vehicle. Security forces used tear gas and later opened fire in self-defence, resulting in two fatalities. Vandalisms, looting, and attacks on banks and police stations have also been reported in Salé, Tangier, and Marrakech.
The GenZ 212 movement and its demands
GenZ 212 is a decentralized youth movement with no formal leadership or political affiliations. Its members communicate primarily through TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, where strategies are shared, and grievances aired. Membership has surged from 3,000 to over 130,000 within days. Anonymity is a hallmark of the movement, with participants using gamer tags, anime avatars, and faceless posts.
Unlike the 2011 February 20 Movement, which involved experienced activists, GenZ 212 participants are mostly teenagers and young adults, often inexperienced with protests. Despite this, their demands are consistent and urgent: improved healthcare, better schools, and job opportunities. The group emphasized online, “The right to health, education and a dignified life is not an empty slogan but a serious demand.”
Government response and broader implications
The Moroccan government has affirmed the right to peaceful assembly but vowed firm action against unauthorised gatherings. By Thursday, more than 400 people had been detained, with nearly half facing trial for charges including arson, looting, and attacks on security forces. Authorities reported injuries among both civilians and security personnel, as well as significant property damage. Human rights organisations have raised concerns over the detention of minors and excessive use of force.
The protests have gained support from footballers, musicians, and social media influencers, drawing parallels with Brazil’s youth-led demonstrations before the 2014 World Cup. For Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch and Morocco’s governing coalition, the protests pose a serious political challenge. The decentralised and digitally native character of GenZ 212 makes the movement unpredictable, while its grievances highlight the growing frustration over inequality, underfunded public services, and government priorities.
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