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On Wednesday, cities across Morocco witnessed a fifth consecutive day of a situation that escalated from peaceful protests led by youth into rioting, vandalism, and acts threatening public order.
In Salé, near Rabat, demonstrators set businesses on fire, including a bank branch, while others pelted security service vehicles with stones and caused extensive damage.
The situation further deteriorated in Inezgane, where videos showed heightened rioting and vandalism culminating in an attempted break-in at security posts, including a gendarmerie headquarters.
According to a statement from the gendarmerie, a large group of youths tried to storm the building and seize ammunition and firearms. Security forces said they initially responded with tear gas but were ultimately forced to use live ammunition in self-defense, killing two people.
The chaotic scenes sparked widespread concern, including among members of Generation Z themselves, who have voiced calls for calm and restraint.
Many emphasized that such violence threatens Morocco’s hard-won stability and the country’s reputation as a reliable partner in a region marked by crises and conflicts.
The movement, which began last week with peaceful demonstrations highlighting social inequalities, has since taken a more volatile turn, raising fears of further escalation.
Political parties like PJD and others from the opposition urged youth to halt violent protests, while emphasizing the government’s responsibility over the situation.
PJD accused Akhannouch cabinet of failing to deliver promises, including to address unemployment and crises extending to several sectors, including healthcare.
Several reports have shed light on dysfunctions in the health sector, including lack of equipped hospitals as well as a dire shortage of workforce.
Many Moroccan officials have stressed that Morocco loses between 600 and 700 doctors every year who migrate to other countries.
The number of health workers per 1,000 per capita stood at 1.64, way below the 4.45 minimum necessary to reach sustainable development goals set by the United Nations (UN).
