Summary
Young protesters in Morocco are speaking out against the government's decision to invest billions in building new football stadiums instead of improving public services like hospitals and healthcare. The protests began in late September 2023 and have been organized through platforms like Discord, TikTok, and Instagram. Protesters are demanding better healthcare, education, housing, and public services.
Key Facts
- Morocco is building what is expected to be the world's largest football stadium for the 2030 World Cup, costing around $5 billion.
- Protests began on September 27, 2023, across 10 cities in Morocco, coordinated by a group called Gen Z 212.
- Demonstrators want the government to prioritize health and education over sports infrastructure.
- Protests turned violent, resulting in mass arrests and the death of three protesters.
- The movement's demands include free education, better healthcare, affordable housing, and job opportunities.
- The protests gained traction after the deaths of eight women at a maternity ward in Agadir, highlighting healthcare inadequacies.
- Morocco has a low doctor-to-population ratio, with 7.8 doctors per 10,000 people, compared to the WHO recommendation of 23.
- Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch expressed openness to dialogue, but protests continue for concrete changes.
