Tensions are escalating in Morocco, with peaceful protests, initially aimed at deteriorating living conditions and rampant corruption, turning into unprecedented violent confrontations. Scenes of repression using live ammunition, the targeting of demonstrators, and the setting of public property on fire paint a disturbing picture of the future of freedom of expression in the kingdom and cast a shadow over the demands of "Generation Z," who appear determined to break the silence.
Agadir in the Eye of the Storm: Live Bullets Injure Several
The outskirts of Agadir witnessed a dangerous escalation on Wednesday night, as demonstrators from the "Generation Z" movement and Moroccan activists gathered to express their anger. Not only did the protests involve setting fire to public buildings in a show of discontent, but the events also turned into direct confrontations with security forces.
The most disturbing scene occurred in the Kalaa district, on the outskirts of Agadir, where protesters surrounded a Royal Gendarmerie headquarters. Here, the situation escalated beyond the usual demonstrations, with Royal Gendarmerie personnel firing live ammunition at the demonstrators. These clashes resulted in injuries, with at least one demonstrator confirmed to have been hit by Royal Gendarmerie gunfire, a clear indication of the seriousness of the escalating situation. This incident raises significant questions about the rules of engagement and how to deal with protesters.
From Rabat to Salé and Guelmim: The flames of anger spread
The situation was not limited to Agadir alone. The wave of anger and unrest spread to several Moroccan cities, reflecting the widening scope of discontent:
Rabat and its suburbs: Protests and riots spread to the capital and its suburbs overnight, indicating the extent of the instability.
Salé: The city of Salé witnessed similar scenes of violence, with demonstrators setting fire to several police and Royal Gendarmerie vehicles, protesting against "deteriorating living conditions and rampant corruption." The security response was harsh, including running over people, beatings, and arbitrary arrests, which exacerbated public anger.
Guelmim: Videos circulated showing Royal Gendarmerie assaults on protesters in the Guelmim and Salé regions, leading to clashes and fires in various locations.
Video of Assault on a Minor: The Spark of Popular Anger
Perhaps the most significant factor that sparked widespread public anger was the spread of a video documenting the Royal Gendarmerie's violent assault on a minor during a peaceful demonstration. This video, widely circulated by activists, sparked a wave of resentment among Moroccans, who considered this behavior a serious transgression that warrants accountability and highlights the harsh nature of the security services' handling of protests.
Generation Z's Voice in the Face of Repression
What is happening in Morocco today is more than just protests over economic conditions. It is a struggle between the voice of youth, represented by the Generation Z movement, who seek to express their rights and demands for a better society, and a security grip that seems to prefer repression to listening. The use of live ammunition and violent attacks will only deepen societal wounds and increase division.
Morocco, facing growing internal challenges, needs today more than ever a constructive dialogue that opens channels of communication with youth and citizens and responds to their legitimate demands, rather than pushing them toward despair and escalation. The embers of anger flaring up in Moroccan cities are a clear call to rethink the approach before it escalates into an unquenchable fire.