Morocco’s GenZ 212 protests escalate into violence and looting, gvernment says ready for dialogue

Calls for protest by an anonymous group identifying itself as GenZ 212 on social media spiraled into violent unrest in several cities, derailing what were initially intended as peaceful demonstrations.

Footage shared online shows masked youths clashing with police, setting fire to banks, and looting businesses in multiple locations across the Souss region.

In Inzegane, law enforcement officers were reportedly attacked, while in nearby Aït Amira, several police vehicles were destroyed.

The group, which organized the protests via the Discord app, has publicly condemned the violence and reiterated its commitment to peaceful mobilization in support of reforms in education and healthcare.

The government has responded by expressing readiness for institutional dialogue and commended the restraint shown by security forces during the unrest.

However, analysts say the leaderless nature of the group makes calls for dialogue unfeasible.

Meanwhile, analysts have warned of a coordinated disinformation campaign driven by Algerian-linked bots, aimed at amplifying tensions and spreading false narratives to incite further unrest.