Unrest in Morocco: Fatalities Emerge Amidst Youth-Led Protests

Fri Oct 10 2025 18:26:16 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Two individuals have died in Morocco following police intervention during protests centered on government priorities. The unrest arose from youth dissatisfaction over the lack of investment in public services.

The ongoing protests in Morocco have escalated with police reportedly killing two protesters in Lqliaa after attempts to storm a police station. The demonstrations, primarily driven by the younger generation, express anger over government spending on FIFA World Cup stadiums instead of essential public services. With significant youth unemployment, the protests have drawn attention nationwide, leading to violence and multiple injuries among both protesters and police.

At least two people have been killed in Morocco after police opened fire to prevent protesters from storming a police station in Lqliaa, near the coastal city of Agadir, state media reports. These are the first deaths reported since youth-led protests broke out across Morocco on Saturday in reaction to the government's decision to prioritize building football stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup over improving public services and addressing the economic crisis.

Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals? has become a popular chant among the demonstrators, many of whom are part of the Gen Z generation. One protester described the local hospital in Oujda, located on the Algerian border, as being similar to a jail, noting its poor conditions and the necessity of bribing medical staff for treatment.

The protests have been primarily nocturnal, with police asserting they acted in self-defense. On Wednesday evening, authorities reported the use of firearms to repel a perceived assault by protesters in Lqliaa.

Although the protests have sparked violence, the organizers behind the youth-led movement, named GenZ 212 — referring to Morocco's country code — have distanced themselves from the violent actions. The movement has emerged largely through social media platforms, lacking a formal leadership structure.

Official statistics indicate that Morocco's unemployment rate is 12.8%, with youth unemployment soaring to 35.8%, highlighting the country's pressing economic issues. The protests have extended to major cities including Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier, with violent incidents reported in Marrakesh where a police station was set on fire.

Interior ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi confirmed that 409 individuals were detained nationwide as a result of the unrest, alongside more than 260 police officers and 20 protesters reported as injured. Properties, including police and civilian vehicles, have also been torched during the protests.

This recent surge of youth-led demonstrations continues a global trend seen in countries such as Nepal and Madagascar, where similar discontent has prompted government changes. Meanwhile, Morocco's governing coalition has signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue with the youth and find viable solutions.