Gen Z calls out graft and inequality in Morocco

Demonstrations in more than a dozen cities have jolted Morocco for weeks, with the young people behind them showing they can translate digital discontent into a real-world movement that authorities can’t ignore.

- BY SAM METZ AND AKRAM OUBACHIR

The North African nation is the latest to be rocked by “Gen Z” protests against corruption, lack of opportunity and business as usual.

On Saturday, protesters urged a boycott of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations soccer matches at the country’s new stadiums as they reiterated previous demands and called for the release of demonstrators arrested during earlier protests.

Similar movements have arisen in countries such as Madagascar, Kenya, Peru and Nepal. They differ in origin but share a common refusal to go through institutions such as political parties or unions to be heard.

In Morocco, anger has boiled over at contrasts between government spending on stadiums in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup and a subpar healthcare system that lags behind countries with similarly sized economies.

Here's what to know:

Meet the leaders of the movement

A leaderless collective called Gen Z 212 — named after Morocco’s dialing code — is the engine behind the protests. Members debate strategy on Discord, a chat app popular with gamers and teens. The core group has about 180,000 members, but spinoffs have also sprouted, organizing demonstrations in towns independently.

Like other nations swept by Gen Z protests, Morocco is experiencing a youth boom, with more than half of the population under age 35.

Yet, as the country pours billions into infrastructure and tourism, unemployment for Moroccans ages 15-24 has climbed to 36%. And with opportunity lacking, more than half of Moroccans younger than 35 say they have considered emigrating, according to a June survey from nonpartisan research network Afrobarometer.

When demonstrations turned violent this month, officials said most participants were minors and rights groups said many detained were under 18 years old.

What they are protesting