Deadly Morocco Protests Escalate Over Corruption, Spending

At least three people have lost their lives in Morocco as protests against alleged corruption and government spending decisions intensify. Security forces opened fire in Leqliaa, a small town near Agadir, marking the sixth consecutive night of unrest. Hundreds more have been injured, while authorities report around 1,000 arrests since the demonstrations began.

The protests are largely organised online by a youth movement calling itself GenZ 212, which has been mobilising citizens through social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Discord. The group has voiced frustration over billions of dollars being directed toward preparations for the 2030 World Cup, while hospitals and schools remain underfunded and in critical condition.

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Chants and slogans during the protests have reflected this disparity, with demonstrators asking, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” Despite isolated incidents of property damage—including cars, shops, banks, and public buildings across 23 provinces—GenZ 212 has repeatedly called for peaceful demonstrations and urged protesters to avoid violence.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue to address the concerns of the demonstrators. The unrest comes at a sensitive time, as Morocco prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year and looks toward parliamentary elections in 2026.

Observers note that Morocco has seen sporadic protests over economic inequality in the past, but this week’s events are among the most intense in nearly a decade, drawing national and international attention to the country’s growing social and economic tensions.