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Rabat — Nationwide anti-corruption protests swept across Morocco throughout September and October. Led by the Generation Z 212 young adult coalition, activists campaigned for reforms to employment, healthcare, education quality, and government corruption—with their flagship demand being the removal of Head of Government Aziz Akkhanouch.
The protests were largely met by mass detainments of peaceful protesters. While Gen Z 212 and human rights groups condemned the government’s actions, the only official response made by the government was the King’s Parliamentary speech on October 10. He avoided mentioning hundreds of still-detained protestors, though he did charge Parliamentary members with behaving honorably and “ensur[ing] everyone benefits from the fruits of growth… when it comes to political, economic, social, and other rights.”
The government has since begun to quietly negotiate with protestors, though little progress has been publicized other than minor healthcare reformations and hospital constructions near the city of Agadir.
GenZ 212 leaders insist that their goals remain unchanged and that they will continue to march for healthcare, education, employment, and anti-corruption reforms if the government does not satisfy their demands.
Furthermore, the Gen Z212 Discord chat remains active, but protests have not continued.
Unrest over issues related to employment, healthcare, education, and corruption have simmered in Morocco for years. In 2011, massive protests—which coincided with the Arab Spring, or nationwide protests against corruption in countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya—prompted King Mohammed VI to ratify a new constitution which granted the people additional rights and promised reforms.
Today’s protesters argue that the constitution has not yet been fully applied. Slogans waved at demonstrations and statements made online have blamed the government for suppressing individual freedoms. They have also pointed to an uneven job market, one which disadvantages low-income and vulnerable populations, as well as similar problems in education and health services.
Protesters have demanded that the King step in to fully implement the provisions and “spirit” of the 2011 constitution.
Though the protests stem years back into Moroccan history, the trigger points for the present movement go back to early in September. Here is a timeline of major events from the current moment until early in September.
Wednesday, November 19: In Rabat, a woman who was purportedly denied access to labor and delivery care at the hospital for “unclear reasons” gives birth on the tram on her return journey. Her child does not survive. The subsequent government investigation alleges that the hospital carries no records of the woman actually entering the hospital and that she suffers from long-term mental health issues.
The episode triggers a wave of analysis from human rights advocates, who reiterate concern about the condition of the Moroccan healthcare system—one of GenZ212’s primary demands.
Nevertheless, the Generation Z212 protests in Morocco have slowed down significantly. Though Gen Z212’s Discord chat remains active, large-scale demonstrations have largely ceased. Protesters claim that they will continue to march if the government does not make further reforms.
Friday, October 31: The #FreeKoulchi, meaning “free everyone,” hashtag spreads across the Internet as Gen Z protest organizers renew their calls for the release of detainees.
They also petition for the creation of an independent committee to support protestors, detainees, and the families of detainees.
Police brutality and injustice has resulted in “three martyrs, several people left with permanent injuries, and hundreds of detainees,” said the organizers in a statement.
Tuesday, October 28: Nearly 1,500 Gen Z detainees remain in legal limbo. Many others have been released, while a handful have been charged and jailed.
Magistrate Hassan Farhan of the Presidency of the Public Prosecution strikes back at allegations that detainee trials were rushed or confessions were coerced, saying that all police and judicial efforts were made “in strict compliance with legal procedures.”
His press release directly contradicts detainee assertions that they were beat by police if they refused to sign statements that they were arrested legally.
Friday, October 24: Following continued protests throughout Morocco, the Ministry of Health announced the launch of 49 new urban and rural health centers across nine regions.
This announcement aligns with King Mohammed VI’s initiative to reform the national health system. Additionally, the government has allocated MAD 140 billion to health and education for the 2026 national budget, an increase from the previous year.
Thursday, October 23: The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) explained in their preliminary report on the “Gen Z protests” that over 2,000 people have been arrested. Of those 2,068 individuals arrested, 1,088 remain in custody, 596 have been released, and 233 have received sentences.
Additionally, an Agadir Court sentenced over 33 people to 260 years total in prison over violence connected with the protests.
Tuesday, October 20: While it seems that some GenZ 212 protestors feel disgruntled with the movement, it comes to light that the exodus of some Gen Z organizers is false information.
In an official statement issued by representatives from Oujda, Berkane, Nador, Jerada, Bouarfa, and Figuig, organizers said that “the statement being circulated and attributed to us which claims our withdrawal from the movement is fake and has no basis in truth.”
The group reaffirmed their support and active participation for the movement.
Additionally, a ministerial council approved a draft aimed at encouraging youth to enter politics and to strengthen women’s representation in politics and in parliament. The bill hopes to enhance youth participation and balance gender in legislative institutions.
Saturday, October 18: Part of the GenZ 212 secedes from the larger movement, citing deviations from the movement’s founding principles. Specifically, participants from Ouidane, Berkane, Nador, Jerada, Bouarfa, and Figuig dissolved their regional coordination committees.
Simultaneously, Amazigh Gen Z organizers announced withdrawal from the movement. They said in a statement that “real change does not begin with noise and chaos” and condemned “some figures known for their hostility to the royal institution” for co-opting the protests for their own ends.
On the same day, GenZ 212 protestors resume activities in Rabat after a week of absence, with about 100 demonstrators gathering in front of the Parliament building.
Wednesday, October 15: Human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) issues a call for Moroccan authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into security services’ “use of force” in controlling GenZ 212 protests.
HRW also reports that about 270 protestors remain detained, including minors.
Saturday, October 11: The GenZ 212 movement halts protests for the weekend, citing strategic coordination as the reason. They make no changes to previous demands and demand accountability for corrupt officials and development of social infrastructure.
They also reiterate calls for arrested protestors to be released. They posted a document naming dozens of detainees.
Friday, October 10: King Mohammed VI gives his speech at the opening session of Parliament. In his speech, he urges stronger action for jobs, health, and education. He also says that investment in the public is important and asks the government to accelerate development programs that will benefit all Moroccans.
“You know well that I will never be satisfied, regardless of the level of economic development and infrastructure, if it does not contribute tangibly to improve citizens’ living conditions from all social categories and in all regions and areas without discrimination or exclusion,” he tells the Parliament.
Thursday, October 9: Agadir Court of Appeals sentences a man to prison for his involvement in recent riots. Additionally, GenZ 212 protestors call for a boycott on Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch’s businesses.
The government also acknowledges that a two-way dialogue is necessary between the Parliament and the protestors.
Tuesday, October 7: GenZ 212 organizers motion to stall protests for Tuesday and Wednesday as a gesture of “respect.” They plan to strategically regroup and prepare for the beginning of the new session of Parliament that will take place on Friday, October 10th.
Members of Moroccan political parties have raised concerns regarding the group’s communication methods. Leaders question whether or not they are protesting the monarchy and advise GenZ 212 to carefully consider the message they wish to send.
Monday, October 6: The Gen Z movement enters its tenth day of consecutive protests.
Health Minister Amine Tahroui also takes to the television airwaves in order to address public frustration. He describes reform efforts and defends his previous and ongoing work to improve the healthcare system. He indicates that the government has been working with domestic manufacturers and international suppliers alike to build and improve the healthcare system.
Overall, he does not promise to change direction as a result of the Gen Z protests—saying that “we are inside the reform now” and that it “will take time but has already begun.”
Sunday, October 5: A few hundred GenZ 212 protestors stand in front of Parliament Sunday evening. The protest is peaceful, with participants chanting slogans against government corruption as police watch from a distance.
It follows a major national Gaza solidarity march that happened just that morning.
Health Minister Amine Tahroui announces the recruitment of 543 medical specialists who will soon be deployed across public hospitals in fields ranging from cardiology to pediatrics.
This doubles the hiring rate in previous years (223 in 2024) by nearly 100%.
Saturday, October 4: Protests continue. Opposition to the protests raise concerns that Algeria and Algerian supporters might be behind the protests.
Abdelkader Bengrina, leader of the Al-Bina party in Algeria, calls on Moroccans to “march on the royal palace” to incite revolt and violence in Morocco. Thousands of users argue on social media whether the GenZ 212 protests are a grassroots movement or a plot by the Algerian government.
Members of the Moroccan Diaspora in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Paris and Marseille, France protest in solidarity with the GenZ 212 movement.
Friday, October 3: GenZ 212 releases an official list of demands to the king. They thank King Mohammed VI for installing the 2011 constitution in response to massive protests that swept the country that year, but say that the application of the new constitution has “suffered from gaps and violations.”
As a remedy, the group makes a list of demands. First and foremost, they call for Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch’s resignation, as well as the dissolution of his entire government. They also call for the dissolution of political parties “implicated in corruption” and demand the creation of new checks and balances capable of prosecuting embezzlement allegedly taking place in the government’s top ranks.
They also demand that those arrested in peaceful protests be released and ask for a “national public accountability session,” to be conducted by the King. This session will analyze government data in an effort to find corruption and hold accountable those who practice it.
Finally, GenZ212 demands “equal opportunities for youth in education, healthcare, and employment, free from favoritism and nepotism.”
”The goal… is not revenge,” reads the official statement. “[We wish] to establish a historical precedent confirming that Morocco has entered a new era.”
Also on Wednesday, the protests attract the attention of the UN. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who criticizes violence from the protesters and calls for peace, saying that protests should proceed while “respecting life, property, and the rule of law.”
He also urges a “prompt and impartial investigation” for the sake of accountability.
Thursday, October 2: At a routine cabinet meeting, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch declares that the government “has interacted” with the protesters’ demands and that it is now ready to discuss them “within institutions and public forums.”
Members of the protest movement denounce his response as vague and ineffective. GenZ 212 reiterates its demands several hours later.
Human rights groups also begin to take notice of violence in protests. Ethics watchdog Transparency Maroc releases a statement saying that “troublemakers” are distinct from “protesters,” and that the former group has attempted to “infiltrate” the protest “to demonize them” and “justify the prohibition of peaceful demonstration.”
Transparency Maroc also calls for the release of peaceful protesters. Some former protest detainees, who reportedly paid a MAD 3,000 fine to buy their release from prison, tell Morocco World News that they were forced to sign a false statement that they had provoked their arrests through violent actions. If they refuse to sign, they told MWN that they will be arrested by police and kept in jail.
In an effort to show community rapport and further distance themselves from violent protesters, GenZ 212 leaders in Rabat announce that they will hold a cleanup effort to remove debris left behind by riots.
The Ministry of the Interior reports over 350 people injured, predominantly security officers. They note that most violent protesters are minors—many carrying knives, Molotov cocktails, or stones.
Wednesday, October 1: A group of youth demonstrators try to storm a gendarmerie (police) station in Lqliaa, Inzegan-Ait Melloul, and attempt to seize weaponry. Security forces initially use tear gas to suppress the crowd before members draw knives and set the building on fire.
In response, the police return with gunfire. Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch later expresses regret for the death of three members of the crowd at the station. Viral online videos show the building going up in flames, with several bodies scattered on the ground. At least one child was injured.
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) convenes with smaller committees from across the country. They caution that violent plans proliferate via social media before becoming reality, and warn regional officials to stay abreast of digital channels.
Protests have finally become large enough that they are attracting international attention. BBC, CNN, NPR, and other outlets begin to cover the unrest.
Meanwhile, Moroccan authorities say that they “understand” the sentiment driving the protesters. Minister of Health and Social Protection Amine Tahraoui tells MPs he believes that Morocco’s healthcare system suffers from deep, long-standing problems, but that their existing reform plan seems sufficient to meet the problem.
He points to recently-built university hospitals in Tangier, Agadir, Laayoune, and Rabat; upgrades of over 1,400 health centers across Morocco; and new medical schools in Guelmim, Beni Mella, Drâa-Tafilalet, and Laayoune.
GenZ 212 releases a statement urging youth members to keep protests peaceful and reject riots. They assert that their organization does not endorse violent activity and that they did not encourage or organize thievery or attacks.
“The movement expresses regret over some acts of vandalism or destruction affecting public or private property and calls on all participants to fully adhere to peaceful methods, and avoid any behavior that could be exploited to undermine our legitimate demands,” their statement reads.
Tuesday, September 30: Previously-simmering protests overflow into violence on Tuesday evening.
Across the country, rioters set over 100 security vehicles and 20 private cars on fire. Over 250 security personnel and 23 civilians receive injuries, while 409 are arrested for protest activity. Vandalism and looting proliferates across the Souss region.
Also in the Souss region, in the city of Oujda, a security vehicle runs over a protester blocking its path. The video promptly goes viral and inflames sentiment against the police. State-owned news agencies deny reports that the struck protester perished as a result of the attack, while allegations to the contrary swirl online.
A rash of vandalism or looting spreads across the nation. Videos of a bank in the city of Salé, engulfed in flames, go viral on the internet. Other videos where police cars are flipped over and lit on fire also go viral.
Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch holds a meeting with other government leaders, including leaders from parties like the National Assembly of Liberals Party, the Contemporary Origin Party, and the Independence Party. The meeting results in a statement that government leaders “value… all initiatives to open a discussion” on the healthcare system, but points to existing government efforts as adequate.
The statement also says that the government aims to realize the “common ambition of all Moroccans”—meaning revitalizing the job and housing markets, reforming healthcare and water infrastructure, and ending corruption.
Monday, September 29:
Protesters carry signs and chant that they “do not want the World Cup, we want health and education.”
The World Cup refers to the 2030 World Cup Morocco is set to host alongside Spain and Portugal; it, as well as the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is set to take place in December 2025, have garnered heavy criticism from the public, who accuse the government of prioritizing “football shows while [the] people suffer.”
Particularly under fire is the football stadium under construction in Rabat. “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” becomes a frequent demonstration refrain. Three new stadiums are under construction across Morocco’s major cities, while at least half a dozen others are undergoing renovation or expansion.
Sunday, September 28: Following police efforts to quell the Saturday protests via arrests, protests on Sunday are officially rescheduled in Rabat, the capital—but both the police and the protesters show up anyway. Rabat’s Parliament sees demonstrations that are quickly dispersed by security officers wearing riot gear. Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Souk Sebt also see marches.
Another myriad of demonstrators are arrested while seemingly acting peacefully.
GenZ212 decries the mass arrests on Saturday and Sunday. They assert that their members were acting peacefully and that police actions violated their constitutional rights. Public comment in Rabat reaches a fever pitch, with non-participating citizens vocalizing support for protesters who were arrested while peacefully protesting.
Saturday, September 27: Leaders emerge in the national protest effort. GenZ212 leads the charge, though it itself lacks official leaders. It is coordinated via social media, meaning group chats across Discord, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp are responsible for nationwide demonstrations. They also call for peaceful protests.
Also via social media, members of the group criticize King Mohammed VI. Official spokespeople for GenZ 212 call these members “bots” and accuse them of attempting to undermine an otherwise peaceful message. They also clarify that they are focused on social reform, not broad political change.
Saturday evening, protests take place across major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, and more; hundreds of protesters are arrested, though they do not seem to be acting aggressively towards the police. Some protesters claim that they were assaulted by police, and videos emerging on social media seem to confirm their words.
Wednesday, September 24: Students at Moulay Ismaïl student dormitory in Rabat organize a sit-in protest against the university administration. They argue that the university’s actions earlier in the week, where they expelled nine students living in the dormitories from their residences without warning, constitute an “abusive deprivation” of housing rights.
The nine students alleged that, while their contracts had not yet expired, the administration had expelled them without written notices. The affected students slept outside the dormitory gates the night they were expelled. Social media users have since circulated photos of the students’ makeshift beds.
The Student Renewal Organization, a Moroccan students’ rights group, sponsors the protest. It warns that it is prepared to undertake “all forms of protest” should legal action not result in the students’ favor. They further demand that the government take notice of the situation.
Several of the students at the sit-in protest are arrested.
Monday, September 22: Widescale protests take place across the country in reaction to the deaths of women at the hospital in Agadir. Locals describe it as a “catastrophic health situation” and assert that the hospital’s conditions are to blame for the death of the women, who perished in C-section operations.
Meanwhile, videos circulate social media, showing overcrowded waiting rooms, families pleading for proper treatment, and patients leaving without having received care.
In response, Health Minister Amine Tahraoui dismissed several officials, including the director of health for the Souss region and the hospital’s director. He also cancels contracts with companies responsible for cleaning, security, and reception at the hospital and says he will launch further investigations into the hospital’s conditions.
Akhannouch defends his administration’s “major accomplishments” in the health sector, and mentions a list of reforms, including construction of hospitals across the country.
World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2023 indicates that Morocco has about 7.7 medical professionals per 10,000 inhabitants on average, with regions like Agadir (4.4 per 10,000) pulling down the average.
The WHO recommends 25 professionals per 10,000 inhabitants.
Sunday, September 21: Sit-in protests occur at Tiznit and Essaouira over healthcare. Police had previously banned the demonstrations from taking place. They arrest about a dozen protesters, who are later released.
Sunday, September 14: Hundreds of protesters, including members from human and civil rights groups, clash with police over conditions at the Hassan II Regional Hospital in Agadir, including lack of proper equipment, proper medicines, and adequate staffing.
This is not the first protest against the Agadir hospital’s conditions to take place—nor will it be the last. In prior weeks, at least 10 women have perished in the maternity ward, including six in one week.
Attending the protest are other former patients of the Agadir hospital. Many of them carry evidence of conditions and injuries that the hospital failed to manage. Among them are a young woman with a tumor swelling her leg and an infant with a malformed spine, whose parents have not been able to access adequate care for their child.
Lamiae Chakri, who directs the region’s health resources under the guidance of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch—who is the head of the Moroccan government as well as the mayor of Agadir—announces an investigation into the hospital’s conditions.
She also says that the emergency room at the Agadir hospital received 250 cases a day in the first half of 2025, which sums up to over 33,000 in total. The hospital also facilitated over 1,760 emergency surgeries and 3,000 births, including 668 Caesarean sections, in the first half of 2025.
