Morocco is in the process of constructing what is anticipated to become the largest football stadium globally, sparking a wave of protests led by Generation Z individuals who are denouncing government corruption. The massive 115,000-capacity stadium, part of a $5 billion project for football infrastructure, has incited the ire of young demonstrators who have been rallying each night since September 27.
Identifying themselves as Gen Z 212, referencing Morocco’s dialing code, the movement has been orchestrating their protests using social media platforms such as Discord, TikTok, and Instagram. Their demands, outlined on social media, encompass improved healthcare, free education, and higher wages.
With a significant young population in Morocco, primarily those born between 1995 and 2010, the protests have been dubbed the Gen Z protests. Drawing inspiration from youth-led movements in other countries like Nepal, the Moroccan protesters are advocating against the lack of opportunities, corruption, and nepotism.
Gen Z 212’s mostly peaceful demonstrations have spread across ten cities, including Rabat, Tangiers, and Casablanca. A protester, 25-year-old Hajar Belhassan, expressed her motivation for protesting, emphasizing the desire for a better country without having to leave or harbor resentment.
The protesters are urging authorities to prioritize basic infrastructure and social welfare over lavish sporting events like the football stadium. Chants such as “No World Cup, health comes first” and “We want hospitals not football stadiums” echo through the crowds.
In a recent statement, the movement called for the government’s resignation, underscoring the fundamental rights to health, education, and a decent living situation. The protests have faced a harsh response from the police, leading to mass arrests and fatal incidents, prompting concerns over excessive force.
The Gen Z 212 group, originating on the Discord platform in mid-September, rapidly gained traction with membership surging from 3,000 to over 130,000 within a week. Discord, known for gaming, has played a pivotal role in empowering youth movements globally.
Notably, the Moroccan Gen Z 212 movement lacks a formal structure and disavows any political affiliations, highlighting a grassroots and non-partisan approach to their activism. The anonymity of the protest organizers has hindered direct dialogue with government officials, prolonging the standoff.
The protests in Morocco reflect a broader global trend of youth-led movements leveraging digital platforms to amplify their voices and push for societal change.