Morocco is witnessing a surge of youth-led protests that have now entered their tenth consecutive night, signaling widespread dissatisfaction with government mismanagement, corruption, and social inequalities. The demonstrations, organized and coordinated by a group called Gen Z 212-a reference to Morocco’s international dialing code-have swept across the country since September 27, bringing attention to the deep-seated grievances of Moroccan youth and challenging the government’s attempts to maintain control.

The protests were initially sparked by a tragic incident in Agadir, where eight women lost their lives while giving birth at a local hospital. Protesters say the deaths were preventable and a direct result of insufficient medical equipment, understaffed facilities, and pervasive corruption in the healthcare system. The incident became a catalyst, mobilizing young people frustrated with years of systemic neglect, poor governance, and widespread corruption across multiple sectors.

Hakim Sikouk, head of the Rabat branch of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH), described the moment as a tipping point for Morocco’s youth. “This was the straw that broke the camel’s back and made these young people create conversations on Discord,” Sikouk told OCCRP, highlighting the role of online platforms in galvanizing activism and organizing nationwide protests. Indeed, social media has been central to the movement, allowing the Gen Z 212 group to communicate, share updates, and post their demands,........

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