Fighting for the Future: Morocco’s Youth Rise Against Neglect

Youth-led protesters rally at a local market in Rabat, chanting calls for reform. Photo via NPR

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On September 28th, 2025, thousands of Moroccans organized anti-government protests all across the country, demanding governmental reforms in healthcare and education, while criticizing the government’s allocation of funds towards other priorities. The protests mark a critical moment for the nation as thousands of Moroccans continue to demonstrate in the streets and demand change due to the government’s inability to address the country’s long period of economic inequality and downturn. 

To understand how Morocco got to this pivotal moment, it’s important to analyze the preceding events that led up to the massive outrage that culminated in these protests. Throughout the past few years, the North African country has seen a decline in its own economy, with youth unemployment as high as 36%, and the average economic growth in the country rests at 3%. In terms of the country’s health sector, data collected since 2023 showed that for every 10,000 Moroccans, there are only 7.7 medical professionals, despite the World Health Organization recommending 25 per 10,000. In the region of Agadir, only 4.4 medical professionals are available for the thousands of Moroccans who desperately need treatment and care. 

Additionally, the government has secured approval to host both the 2025 African Nations Cup and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. According to the World Bank Group, Morocco has spent over 38% of its GDP in renovating infrastructure across the country to prepare for the event, earning the criticism of many across the country for the allocation of these funds and, in turn, failing to adequately address the needs of its people. Regardless, while the protests continue to multiply across the country, the Moroccan government has made it clear that it will continue to host the games as planned. 

However, an interesting development within these protests is the rise of youth activism and political participation. These protests were organized by a group called Gen Z 212, which, according to its social media, has mobilized thousands of young Gen Z Moroccans to organize mass protests across the country against the government’s policies. Since September 28th of this year, Gen Z 212 has been successful in organizing protests across ten cities throughout the country, with many chanting and holding posters criticizing the Moroccan government’s lack of action on the nation’s problems. Some of the goals and demands listed on the group’s social media include free and quality education for all, accessible healthcare for every Moroccan citizen, and the development of affordable housing.

Yet, the government’s response to the growing protests remains violent and borderline authoritarian. Over 100 arrests were made in Rabat throughout this event, and over hundreds more have been arrested by the Moroccan government all across other cities, with many human rights groups such as Amnesty International giving scathing criticism over the violent response of the Moroccan Security Forces’ conduct in handling the arrests, with many accusing its members of participating in police brutality. There have also been a total of 3 casualties throughout this period, occurring when Moroccan Security Forces opened fire in the small town of Leqliaa, leaving 3 people dead and hundreds gravely injured. While Morocco’s Ministry of Interior has claimed that the 3 people who died were in a physical altercation with its police, no proof currently exists to support this claim as the protests continue throughout the next few days.

In total, the 2025 Moroccan protests have been the largest form of organized protests the country has seen since the 2011 Arab Spring. The protests also mark a critical moment in Moroccan youth activism, as Gen Z Moroccans take to the frontlines, demanding change and reform. Only time will tell whether this moment will bring in a period of positive change or usher in a time of chaos that will define the country’s history for years to come.

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This article was edited by Emmerson Oskay and Siya Patel.