Protests Erupt in Morocco as Citizens Demand Hospitals Over Stadiums

Mass protests have broken out across Morocco as thousands of young citizens demand that the government prioritize healthcare and education over massive sporting projects ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The unrest, led largely by the country’s Gen Z population, was triggered by frustration over Morocco’s $5 billion plan to build new stadiums, including what is projected to become the world’s largest football arena.

The North African nation is set to host the 35th edition of AFCON from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and will also co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

While the government views the multi-billion-dollar investments as part of a broader effort to position Morocco as a global sports hub, protesters argue that such ambitions come at a time when many citizens lack access to basic services such as hospitals, affordable education, and job opportunities.

The tension reached a boiling point over the past week as demonstrations spread across at least ten cities, including Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, and Settat. The rallies, largely mobilised online through TikTok, Discord, and Instagram, were spearheaded by a youth movement known as Gen Z 212. Protesters, most of them under 30, accuse the government of spending excessively on infrastructure that does not directly improve citizens’ welfare.

The movement gained traction following a tragic incident last month, when eight women reportedly died in a maternity ward in Agadir due to inadequate medical staffing and equipment. The event intensified public anger, symbolizing what many see as the country’s failing healthcare system.

Clashes and Arrests as Anger Spreads Nationwide

The Moroccan Interior Ministry confirmed that over 400 people have been arrested since the protests began on September 27. Authorities say the demonstrations turned violent in some cities, leading to property damage and confrontations with security forces. Official reports indicate that 260 police officers and 20 protesters sustained injuries during the clashes.

In one of the most severe incidents, three people were killed in the town of Lqliaa after an attempted attack on a police station escalated. Officials claimed that security operatives opened fire when demonstrators allegedly tried to set the station ablaze and seize weapons.

Despite these confrontations, the protests have continued to grow, with demonstrators insisting that their actions are peaceful and driven by the need for accountability. The movement’s demands include major investments in healthcare infrastructure, better pay for doctors, improvements to public schools, and stronger social support for low-income communities.

Morocco currently has just 7.8 doctors per 10,000 citizens, far below the World Health Organisation’s benchmark of 23 per 10,000. In rural areas, access to qualified medical personnel remains severely limited, and many families travel long distances to receive basic treatment.

Protesters argue that this stark disparity highlights the government’s misplaced priorities as it channels billions into sports infrastructure while neglecting pressing human development challenges.

Balancing Global Image and Domestic Demand

The Moroccan government continues to promote its stadium projects as symbols of national pride and progress. The centrepiece of this initiative is a planned 115,000-capacity stadium expected to surpass Barcelona’s Camp Nou as the world’s largest football arena. Officials describe the project as a long-term investment aimed at boosting tourism, job creation, and global visibility.

However, analysts warn that the government risks alienating a generation of young Moroccans who feel excluded from the economic benefits of such ventures. With unemployment among youth hovering above 25 percent, many see these grand projects as a distraction from deeper structural issues.

The unfolding protests have drawn international attention, with human rights groups urging Moroccan authorities to respect the rights of peaceful demonstrators while addressing the underlying causes of public discontent.

As preparations for AFCON 2025 continue, the demonstrations serve as a stark reminder that sporting prestige cannot replace the urgent need for functional hospitals, equitable education, and social justice. For Morocco’s youth, the message remains clear, the pursuit of global recognition must not come at the cost of citizens’ wellbeing.