Morocco is grappling with the aftermath of violent clashes between protesters and police, following the shooting of two demonstrators in Leqliaa on Wednesday night.
Tensions also flared in Oujda, where residents on Thursday assessed the damage left by overnight unrest.
For the first three days, the nationwide protests—driven largely by young people from “Generation Z” remained peaceful. Demonstrators had focused on demands for better education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
But the situation turned violent midweek, with security forces accused of using excessive force, including the shootings that left two dead and the arrest of dozens.
In Oujda, locals expressed cautious support.
“We support the protests but reject the destruction,” one woman told national television.
“Another passer-by said the demonstrators’ demands were “fair and legitimate” and stressed that most had acted peacefully.
The wave of protests has highlighted Morocco’s deep socioeconomic challenges, particularly youth unemployment, which stood at around 35% in the second quarter of 2025.
