Written by Lisa Murimi
Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has appealed for dialogue after six consecutive nights of violent youth protests left streets ablaze, hundreds arrested, and the first deaths reported.
The demonstrations, driven by a digital movement known as GenZ 212, began with demands for better healthcare and education but have rapidly escalated into the worst unrest since the Rif protests of 2016–2017.
On Wednesday night, three youths were shot dead by security forces near Agadir after attempting to storm a police station and steal weapons, authorities said.
More than 640 people have been injured since Saturday, including nearly 600 security personnel. Vehicles have been torched, banks attacked, and buildings ransacked across several cities.
“Dialogue is the only path,” Akhannouch said in a statement on Thursday, pledging that his government was ready to engage with protesters’ demands.
The GenZ 212 movement, organized via TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, has called for nonviolent action, urging supporters to avoid vandalism.
Its online community has surged from 3,000 members last week to over 150,000. But officials say 70% of those arrested for vandalism are minors, and prosecutors have warned looters could face up to life in prison.
The violence has rattled Morocco’s stability and dented investor confidence, with the country’s credit default swaps widening to their highest level since June—just days after S&P upgraded the kingdom’s rating.
While many citizens sympathized with the original demands, growing destruction is eroding support.
“I used to support their demands for education and health … but after I saw this fire, I am wondering how can this serve their demands?” said Fatima, 54, outside a torched bank in Sale.
Authorities are bracing for more demonstrations Thursday evening, as anger continues to spread from major cities into smaller towns.
