Morocco's GenZ 212 says suspending protests this weekend

RABAT - Morocco's youth-led protest movement GenZ 212 said Saturday it was suspending demonstrations this weekend following two weeks of protests across the country calling for reforms in health and education.

GenZ 212 said in a statement on Facebook that this decision came after long hours of discussion and consultation with field experts and members from various cities, and was based on a precise reading of the field situation and the current political context.

“The movement confirms that this temporary pause is a strategic step aimed at enhancing organization and coordination and ensuring that the next phase is more effective and impactful, away from any improvisation or external exploitation,” said the statement.

GenZ 212 affirmed that their steadfast demands will not change, chief among them “holding the corrupt accountable” and making the government responsible for the deteriorating social and economic conditions.

The protest movement said the official date for the next day of protests will be announced later on Saturday.

Formed in late September, GenZ 212 has built a large online following, with more than 100,000 members on Facebook and more than 200,000 members on the Discord platform.

The anti-government protests broke out after the deaths of eight pregnant women during Caesarean sections at a public hospital in Agadir, which is notorious for its poor conditions and patients’ deaths.

In a speech at parliament on Friday, King Mohammed VI did not refer to the protests, but called on the government to speed up reforms in health and education, achieve social justice and fight spatial disparities.