Gen Z raises its voice: protests in Morocco for social justice!

Gen Z raises its voice: protests in Morocco for social justice!

Today the eyes of the world are on Morocco, where a wave of protests has taken over the streets for around ten days. Triggered by the tragic death of eight pregnant women in a public hospital in Agadir, the collective Gen Z 212 was formed, which is made up of members of Generation Z - born between the late 1990s and early 2000s. This collective has made it its mission to fight against the abuses in the health and education systems as well as against the rampant corruption among the elites. What is particularly noteworthy is the clear goal: the resignation of Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.

Huffington Post reports that the protest grew as a direct response to dissatisfaction with the government. On October 11, 2023, Gen Z 212 announced a temporary suspension of mobilization after King Mohamed VI. called on the government to accelerate social reforms. This break appears strategic to improve organization and coordination for upcoming actions.

A look at the mobilization strategies shows that Generation Z uses social media skillfully. Discord, a platform often used for gaming, has established itself as a central point of communication. With over 185,000 members on Discord, the activists not only discuss demands, but also plan the next steps of their actions. This shows that the protests go far beyond the streets and have a digital dimension that stands out from traditional parties or unions. In Morocco, around 8.2 million people aged 15 to 29 are part of this generation. In addition to Discord, Telegram is also used here to distribute announcements quickly and effectively.

International solidarity and avant-garde protest culture

As protests continue in Morocco, similar movements have also emerged in other countries such as Nepal, Indonesia and Madagascar. In Nepal, for example, Generation Z brought about a change in government through massive protests against corruption. In Madagascar, the Gen Z Madagascar group is demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina and is fighting pressing issues such as power outages and drinking water shortages. These international movements demonstrate a shared need for change and a clear rejection of the prevailing corruption.

But what makes these protest movements special? The use of cultural references, such as the symbolism of a pirate flag from the anime “One Piece,” creates a shared identity and a strong sense of solidarity among the protesters. Activists also use emojis, pop culture references and even animated GIFs to convey their messages and liven up discussions La Quotidienne reported.

A look into the future of the protest movements

An interesting aspect of these protests is how Generation Z is able to use digital platforms as social levers. Conversations about social issues such as the shortage of textbooks or understaffed hospitals are carried out in Discord channels. Some members have even committed themselves to micro-journalism by exchanging information directly and transparently.

Despite all efforts, it remains unclear whether these movements can bring about lasting change in the global south, as reported by DW noted. However, Generation Z impressively shows that they are ready to fight for their rights and to improve their living conditions - and to take new paths in the process.