Morocco’s youth-led protest movement, GenZ212, returned to the streets on Saturday, October 18, after a short pause, confirming growing frustration among young Moroccans over economic hardship, inequality, and perceived government inaction just two months before the country hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN.)
Since first emerging on September 27, the GenZ212 movement—along with a parallel collective called Morocco Youth Voice—has organized some of the largest demonstrations Morocco has seen in years. Protests have spread across more than a dozen cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, and Agadir, drawing tens of thousands of participants ranging from students to unemployed youth.
The demonstrators have called for better access to public healthcare, improvements in education, more affordable housing, and an end to government corruption and wasteful spending. Many participants have criticized investment in international sporting infrastructure for the upcoming CAN and World Cup in 2030, arguing that such funds would be better used to strengthen social services.
Several sources, including the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), said more than 600 protesters remain in detention, including minors. Three deaths have been reported following confrontation with security forces in early October in Lqliâa, though Moroccan authorities have not released an official explanation. Human Rights Watch and other organizations have called on the government to investigate the use of lethal force and to uphold the right to peaceful protest.
While some protests initially turned violent—resulting in damage to property and hundreds of arrests—GenZ212 has repeatedly distanced itself from acts of vandalism, urging supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined. The movement continues to rely heavily on social media to coordinate activities and share footage, emphasizing accountability and transparency as key demands.
Inside Parliament, the unrest has revived debate over social policy. Lawmakers have questioned the effectiveness of reforms to public education and healthcare amid overcrowded classrooms, staff shortages, and growing regional inequalities. The government has defended its record, citing sectoral budget increases, new university hospitals, and training programs for young doctors. Of note, the government of Morocco is led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who by all accounts is one of the country’s wealthiest individuals, holding majority ownership of Akwa Group, a multibillion‑dollar conglomerate, with investments spanning petroleum, gas, chemicals, real estate, and retail. Forbes and Forbes Middle East estimate his net worth is at about $1.5 billion, ranking him 27th among the richest Arabs and third richest in Morocco. This puts the head of the government at odds with the youth movement because of his vast wealth, because despite holding political office since 2021, Akhannouch continues to oversee a vast private portfolio that includes energy distribution, natural gas ventures, and medical oxygen companies. His wealth has reportedly grown in recent years due to rising fuel prices affecting Morocco and expansion of Akwa Group’s international projects in North and West Africa.
In his October 10 address to Parliament, King Mohammed VI called for “integrated territorial development,” linking social improvement to national growth but did not directly address the GenZ movement. His speech and subsequent directives urged faster implementation of local reforms in employment, health, and education.
Protesters, however, remain unconvinced. Many view the government’s pledges as slow or symbolic, noting that economic conditions and living costs continue to worsen. Rallies on October 18 drew renewed attention to calls for the release of detained protesters and the boycott of CAN matches, reflecting opposition to high-profile spending during a period of domestic strain.
As of Sunday, October 19, demonstrations persisted peacefully in Rabat, Casablanca, and other major cities under close police monitoring. Organizers say the movement is entering a more structured phase, with plans for continued mobilization and dialogue around accountability and the rule of law. Whether the unrest will ease before Morocco welcomes continental football teams in December remains uncertain—but the GenZ212 protests have clearly shaken assumptions about political stability in one of North Africa’s most tightly managed states.
