Morocco’s digital rebellion raises fears of Algerian interference

Hundreds of young people protested Friday in several Moroccan cities at the call of GenZ 212, a fast-growing online collective demanding reforms in education and healthcare, and an end to corruption. It was the seventh consecutive day of demonstrations.

The group, which describes itself as a movement of “free youth” with no political affiliation, has gathered more than 170,000 members on Discord, though its founders remain anonymous. Some observers have not ruled out possible foreign involvement, particularly from Algeria, amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbors.

Beyond social grievances, protesters called for the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, whose term ends next fall. Late Thursday, GenZ 212 posted a message addressed to King Mohammed VI demanding the government’s dismissal, later clarifying that the statement was not “final.”

Authorities said they were ready to open dialogue with the movement following clashes earlier in the week. According to officials, three people were killed near Agadir when gendarmes “acted in self-defense” as protesters tried to storm a gendarmerie post.

In Rabat, many demonstrators wore black as a sign of mourning, answering GenZ 212’s call. The European Union on Friday urged calm, saying it “recognizes the importance of youth participation in public life” and called on “all parties to avoid escalation.”