Regulation

The Moroccan government has expressed its readiness to address the grievances that have led to recent youth-led protests throughout the country. This announcement follows an incident where three individuals were killed by security forces during an attempt to storm a police station.

Government Response

On Thursday, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, addressing a council of ministers, emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in “dialogue and debate within institutions and public spaces.”

Protesters’ Concerns

The participants of these protests, notably from the Gen-Z demographic, have raised accusations against the government, citing widespread corruption. They have expressed dissatisfaction with the perceived prioritization of infrastructure projects for events, such as new stadiums for the World Cup, over essential public services like healthcare and education. The recent incident involving the deaths of eight women in a public hospital in Agadir has intensified these concerns.

Escalation of Protests

Since the protests began on Saturday, they have escalated, particularly in cities distant from major development areas. There are reports of increased violence, with protesters setting vehicles ablaze and throwing rocks in the eastern and southern regions of the country.

Call for Peaceful Demonstrations

Protest organizers have urged participants to maintain peaceful demonstrations and have criticized the security forces for their heavy-handed tactics. Despite these calls, instances of destruction have continued in several areas.