Morocco Cracks Down on Youth-Led Protests Demanding Better Health and Education
Youth Protests Erupt Across Morocco Amid Calls for Health and Education Reforms
In a significant uprising, Moroccan cities have witnessed a series of youth-led protests over the past few days, aimed at reforming the country’s public health and education systems. A heavy police presence has marked the protests, thwarting demonstrations across urban centers such as Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, and Oujda.
Anonymous Group Ignites Protests Through Social Media
Organized by a loosely affiliated anonymous group known as “GenZ 212,” the protests have gained momentum through various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and the gaming application Discord. Demonstrators have mobilized online, leveraging these channels to voice their concerns about the state of public services in Morocco.
As the situation unfolds, government and judicial authorities have yet to provide official responses to the protests or the arrests that have occurred during these gatherings. The Moroccan interior ministry did not immediately address requests for comment regarding the growing unrest.
Recent Arrests Highlight Growing Tensions
On Monday evening, police apprehended dozens of participants as they attempted to stage protests in multiple cities. In Rabat, eyewitnesses reported that plainclothes officers were seen detaining young activists who were trying to express their views or speak to journalists.
Notably, Najat Anouar, president of a child protection association, was arrested while addressing the media but was released two hours later. She commented, “I came here to investigate allegations that the under-age have been arrested and got arrested myself.”
Demands Echoing Historical Protests
Amid the clamor, a group of protesters in downtown Rabat successfully chanted the slogan “freedom, dignity, and social justice,” reminiscent of the 2011 demonstrations that led to constitutional reforms in Morocco. Brahim, a 25-year-old participant, emphasized, “We want a better health system and accountability,” just moments before fleeing from police.
Escalating Discontent Over Healthcare and Employment
On Sunday night in Casablanca, demonstrators briefly blocked a major highway, while videos from Agadir showed police dispersing students near a university campus. The current wave of youth discontent was partly ignited by earlier protests in Agadir that highlighted dire conditions in hospitals, escalating into a broader movement across the nation.
Protesters have voiced their frustration over inadequate medical care, understaffed facilities, and a severe lack of resources. According to the national statistics agency, Morocco’s unemployment rate stands at 12.8%, with youth unemployment hitting a staggering 35.8% and 19% among graduates.
In Summary
The protests in Morocco reflect a growing dissatisfaction among the youth regarding critical public services, revealing deep-seated issues within the health and education sectors. As the movement continues to unfold, the outcome of these demonstrations may pave the way for significant reforms in the near future.
The post Morocco Cracks Down on Youth-Led Protests Demanding Better Health and Education appeared first on CDN3 - el-balad.com.
