Anti-government protests have broken out in various countries around the world. First in Nepal, then in East Timor, Madagascar, after the Gen Z protests, now in Morocco too, youth have taken to the streets against the government. They are holding large-scale demonstrations, in which three protesters died in clashes with security forces.
A day after this youth movement in Morocco turned violent and three people died, the government there announced on Thursday that it would address the grievances of the youth.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhnouch, while addressing the Council of Ministers, said, “I express my condolences over the deaths in this movement. I appreciate the efforts of law enforcement agencies to maintain order and the government is ready to adopt a positive approach towards the protesters demanding better public health services and education. We are ready for dialogue and discussion with the protesters in institutions and public places. Dialogue is the only way to solve the many problems facing our country. Notably, they did not specify which issues they were willing to discuss.
On Thursday, officials said the death toll in this week’s riots had risen to three. They said armed rioters attacked public buildings and disrupted law and order. Security forces responded when the protesters turned violent. On Wednesday, security forces opened fire on protesters in Lekaliya, a small town outside the coastal city of Agadir, killing three people. Morocco’s Interior Ministry said three were shot while trying to seize police weapons, although no witnesses confirmed the report.
The ministry reported that 354 law enforcement officers were injured in the violent protests. Hundreds of cars, banks, shops and public buildings were damaged in 23 provinces of the country. About 70 percent of the protesters in the protests are minors. They are agitating for better healthcare facilities and improved education facilities in the country. The protesters have argued that the government is spending most of its funds on international sports events, while not allocating any funds to basic government services like health and education in the country.
