Gen Z Morocco: A Movement Redefining Activism

In recent years, Morocco has witnessed an unprecedented wave of social activism led by a new generation of digitally empowered youth. Known as Gen Z Morocco or GenZ 212, this movement has emerged as a voice for the nation’s younger population, calling for systemic changes in education, healthcare, and governance. With no clear leadership and utilizing digital platforms like Discord, this youth-driven protest movement has sparked widespread discussions about the country’s political and social priorities.

Understanding the Roots of Gen Z Morocco

Gen Z Morocco is a movement born out of frustration with systemic inequalities and a perceived neglect of critical public services. The group’s name, GenZ 212, is a nod to the generational identity of its members, who are predominantly in their teens and twenties, and to Morocco’s country code. The movement was initially organized through a Discord server, where young Moroccans connected to discuss their grievances and mobilize for action. Their primary demands include better healthcare, improved education, and an end to the government’s focus on high-profile projects that seemingly neglect pressing social needs.

The movement gained traction following a series of incidents that underscored the systemic issues facing the country. For example, in mid-September, protests erupted in Agadir after the deaths of several women, including pregnant patients, at a regional hospital under questionable circumstances. This tragedy highlighted the chronic underfunding of healthcare services in Morocco and became a catalyst for the wider Gen Z protests. The group also criticized the government’s allocation of resources, particularly the significant investments in football stadiums for upcoming international tournaments, while public schools and hospitals remain underfunded.

The Demographics Behind the Movement

Morocco’s youth, aged between 15 and 34, comprise approximately 30% of the population, with the unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 reaching an alarming 37%. In urban areas, this figure climbs to nearly 48%. This economic disenfranchisement has fueled the anger and frustration that underpins the GenZ 212 movement. Despite their significant numbers, these young individuals often feel excluded from the country’s political and economic systems, which many perceive as favoring the elite.

Unlike previous protest movements in Morocco, such as the February 20 Movement that emerged during the Arab Spring, GenZ 212 operates without a formal organizational structure or identifiable leaders. This decentralized approach is both a strength and a challenge. It allows the movement to be more inclusive and adaptable, but it also raises questions about its long-term sustainability and effectiveness in achieving tangible political reforms.

The Government’s Response

The Moroccan government initially downplayed the significance of the GenZ 212 protests, with state-affiliated media providing limited coverage and officials dismissing the movement as the work of foreign agitators. However, as the protests grew in size and intensity, the government adopted a more conciliatory tone. Official statements acknowledged the validity of the protesters’ demands and emphasized the importance of dialogue in addressing social grievances.

Key government officials, including the housing minister and the mayor of Marrakesh, have described the protests as a form of “democratic vitality” and have called for peaceful demonstrations. The health minister has also admitted to chronic issues within the national healthcare system and has taken steps to address some of the protesters’ concerns, such as the dismissal of the director of the Agadir hospital. Despite these efforts, the absence of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch from the public discourse has drawn criticism, with many calling for his resignation.

Global Context and Comparisons

The Gen Z movement in Morocco is part of a broader trend of youth-led activism across the Global South. Similar protests have been observed in countries like Nepal, Madagascar, and Indonesia, where young people are challenging systemic inequalities and corruption. These movements share common characteristics, such as their reliance on digital platforms for organization, their focus on social justice, and their rejection of traditional political hierarchies.

In Morocco, as in other countries, the protests have highlighted a generational divide. While older generations fought for independence and the establishment of national institutions, many young people feel that these institutions have failed to deliver on the promises of a better future. This sense of disillusionment has driven Gen Z to demand not just incremental changes but a fundamental transformation of the system.

The Road Ahead

As the GenZ 212 movement continues to evolve, its future remains uncertain. On one hand, its decentralized nature and reliance on digital platforms have made it a powerful force for mobilization. On the other hand, these same characteristics make it vulnerable to fragmentation and political co-optation. Moreover, the lack of a formalized political agenda raises questions about the movement’s ability to achieve lasting change.

Analysts suggest that the Moroccan government is likely to continue using security forces to maintain control over the protests, a strategy that may suppress dissent in the short term but does little to address the underlying issues driving the unrest. The challenges facing Morocco’s education and healthcare systems are deeply entrenched and will require long-term, structural reforms to resolve.

Despite these challenges, Gen Z Morocco has already made a significant impact. By bringing issues of social inequality and government accountability to the forefront, the movement has changed the national conversation and demonstrated the power of youth activism in the digital age.

Gen Z Morocco is more than a protest movement; it is a reflection of a generational shift in how young people engage with politics and demand change. Their actions are a testament to the potential of youth to challenge the status quo and envision a better future for their country.