Rabat – Morocco’s youth-driven “Generation Z 212” movement has sustained its momentum into a second week, with peaceful demonstrations sweeping through Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Tetouan, as young activists demand sweeping reforms to combat corruption, bolster employment, and enhance public services.
The protests, fueled by over 180,000 members on the Discord platform, have maintained a resolute non-violent stance, with organizers explicitly condemning any acts of violence or vandalism. On Saturday, crowds filled city squares, their chants echoing calls for accountability and opportunity in a nation grappling with systemic challenges.
In response, Morocco’s Minister of Youth and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, extended a renewed invitation for dialogue, acknowledging that the nation’s strained health and education sectors are burdened by issues “inherited from previous administrations.” The government’s overture seeks to bridge the divide with a generation increasingly vocal about its frustrations.
The protests, however, have not escaped violence. Authorities reported three deaths on Wednesday night in Qlaiaa, near Agadir, when gendarmerie forces fired on individuals allegedly attempting to seize weapons from a security center, according to official statements. The Interior Ministry also noted over 350 injuries during the week, predominantly among security personnel.
The movement’s origins lie in a mid-September tragedy in Agadir, where the deaths of eight pregnant women during cesarean procedures at a public hospital ignited public fury over Morocco’s faltering healthcare system.
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This incident catalyzed the formation of “Generation Z 212″—a name blending the tech-savvy cohort born from the late 1990s to early 2000s with Morocco’s international dialing code (212)—into a formidable digital force on Discord.
As Morocco stands at a crossroads, the protests signal a generational demand for change, testing the government’s resolve to address deep-rooted grievances. With dialogue offered, the nation awaits whether these youth-led efforts will pave the way for reform or deepen existing tensions.