Overturned Vehicles, Fire, and Stone Throwing in Youth-Led Protests in Morocco

Rabat – Protests continue to sweep several Moroccan cities across Morocco, including in the Souss-Massa region.

Viral videos online show youth engaged in vandalism and riots. Footage also shows overturned and damaged vehicles of security services in Ait Amira, in the Souss Massa region. 

Some videos also show fire in the street, with youth chanting slogans and clashing with security services.

Videos from Inzegane in the same region also show youth engaged in protests, with streets filled with stones.

Morocco witnessed several protests that started this weekend following appeals from “Gen Z 212,” a youth-led movement.  The protests sought to demand reforms spanning healthcare and education.

Many arrests took place during peaceful protests that took place in Rabat, sparking citizens’ frustration.

GenZ212’s Facebook page issues several notes, including its condemnation of the arrests that took place today and during the weekend.

The GenZ212 also condemned the “hefty” fines of MAD6000, which were allegedly imposed on protesters for their statements to the press.

Three young people are still in detention, while 30 others are under provisional release, according to converging reports.

The movement also distanced itself from vandalism and rioting that took place during protests, describing the acts as “unfortunate.”

The statement called on protesters to ensure that demonstrations are completely peaceful, warning against any acts that could be “exploited to tarnish” its justice demands.

Two days following the protests, the government majority issued a statement today, expressing full readiness to engage in a dialogue to listen to people’s demands.

“After reviewing the developments linked to youth expressions in online and public spaces, the government affirms that it listens carefully to and understands the social demands,” the leadership said after a meeting today.

It also emphasized that the security approach taken during the protests is in line with relevant legal procedures. Observers have criticized the government statement, stressing that similar approaches are outdated and that the cabinet should improve its communication methods to align with youth demands and the current generation.