By Omar Bihmidine
By Omar Bihmidine
Morocco World News
Sidi Ifni, Morocco, July 11, 2012
A 47-year-old vegetable vendor set himself on fire in Oued Zam, 220 Kms far from Casablanca, on Monday.
Married and blessed with three children, the man ran an enormous risk, which led him to sustain serious wounds. Upon his self-immolation, he was quickly taken to Hassan II hospital to receive necessary treatments for his third-degree burns. Yet, the gravity of his injuries immediately sent him to Casablanca hospital.
The man burned himself to protest against the local authorities that broke the promise of giving him a place where he could sell vegetables. The authorities also promised him a suitable corner at the newly-built market.
Upon this incident, resentment and disappointment prevailed among Oued Zam’s city dwellers, especially since the incident is an unprecedented one in the province.
Currently, the province is going through a social tension that might manifest itself more fully at any time. Khouribga and other nearby cities are witnessing sit-ins and other forms of protests, particularly against the organization of art and film festivals at a time when the areas still suffer from remarkable marginalization and poverty.
