Morocco Faces Youth Uprising as GenZ 212 Protests Demand Government Overhaul

Morocco has been gripped by widespread protests led by GenZ 212, a youth movement representing the frustrations of the country's younger generation. Starting in late September 2025, these demonstrations have rapidly spread nationwide, fueled by demands for improved public healthcare, education, and an end to government corruption. The movement’s name combines the generational identity of protesters—born mostly in the late 1990s and early 2000s—with Morocco’s country code, +212.

While initially peaceful, the protests have escalated into violent clashes with police, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and hundreds of arrests. The most severe confrontations occurred near law enforcement stations, where protesters attempted to storm facilities, prompting police to respond with force. These incidents mark the first deaths since the uprising began.

The group GenZ 212, which formed on the Discord platform around a month earlier, describes itself as apolitical and devoted to social justice, including healthcare reform, educational investment, and anti-corruption efforts. Their slogans reflect dissatisfaction with the government’s prioritization of major infrastructure projects—especially related to staging the 2030 FIFA World Cup—over essential public services, with protesters demanding: "We don’t want stadiums, we want health."

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch acknowledged the social grievances and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue. However, protesters continue to demand the government’s dissolution, accusing it of failing to protect constitutional rights and address socio-economic inequalities.

Morocco’s youth, constituting a substantial segment of the population and facing high unemployment rates—particularly in urban areas—have channeled their discontent into this large-scale movement, reflecting a broader global trend of youth-led protests against perceived governmental neglect and corruption.

The unfolding situation in Morocco highlights the urgent need for reform to address deep-rooted social issues and demonstrates the growing political voice and agency of the younger generation.