By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
After a brief hiatus of nearly 10 days, young Moroccans returned to the streets at the weekend, resuming their calls for sweeping government reforms in education, healthcare, and anti-corruption measures.
The protesters, mobilized by the online youth collective GenZ 212, gathered in front of the Parliament building in Rabat, demanding tangible actions to address the rising cost of living and what they describe as deep-rooted inequalities in the system.
One of the demonstrators, Reda, said the renewed gathering was aimed at reinforcing unity within the movement. “It sends a message to the authorities. Even though we paused for more than 10 days, we are continuing, and will continue until our demands are met, not just in words but in reality,” he said. “We want to see solutions that satisfy young people and make us feel that our daily sacrifices are worthwhile,” he added.
The latest demonstration comes 10 days after King Mohammed VI addressed Parliament, urging job creation for youth and improvements in healthcare and education. However, many protesters expressed disappointment that the monarch made no direct reference to the GenZ movement.
Another protester, Naji, said it was too early to predict the outcome of the movement. “Whether this movement will bear its fruit, I think it’s very soon to tell. There will still be, you know, political changes that will come in the upcoming days. In politics there are a lot of variables that enter in the equation, and a lot of things can change. So, I think that it’s soon to tell but obviously the youth are hopeful”.
Participants insisted that the break had not weakened their momentum, countering speculation that the movement was losing steam.
Morocco’s Gen Z-led demonstrations, which have drawn inspiration from similar youth uprisings in countries like Nepal, mark one of the most significant youth-driven social movements in recent years.
