In a tragic escalation of unrest in Morocco, at least two people have died after police opened fire as protesters attempted to storm a police station in Lqliaa, a town near Agadir. State media reports indicate the fatalities occurred as demonstrations intensified over the government's decision to prioritize the construction of football stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup instead of addressing pressing public service needs.
The protests, initiated by the youth-led movement known as GenZ 212—named for Morocco's international dialling code—highlight the frustrations of a generation facing high unemployment and inadequate healthcare facilities. “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” has become a rallying cry for demonstrators expressing their outrage at the government's actions.
Among the protesters, one individual described the state of healthcare in his city, Oujda, as reminiscent of a prison, citing unsanitary conditions and the necessity for bribes to receive medical attention. The protests have predominantly taken place at night, with the police justifying their response as necessary for self-defense against perceived aggression from the protesters.
Despite the violence, the movement's organizers have publicly distanced themselves from the unrest, emphasizing their non-violent approach and relying on social media to rally support rather than having a formal leadership structure.
Official statistics indicate a troubling economic climate in Morocco, with an unemployment rate of 12.8% overall and youth unemployment soaring to 35.8%. The anger and demand for change have led to protests in major cities including Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier, with incidents of violence reported as demonstrators set a police station ablaze in Marrakech.
The Moroccan government's coalition has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the nation's youth, hoping to find realistic solutions to the issues at hand and acknowledging the needs for change.