Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has expressed readiness for dialogue to address the grievances behind ongoing youth-led protests that have escalated into nationwide unrest.
The demonstrations, which began last weekend with calls for better education and healthcare, have spread across major cities and smaller towns.
Authorities report hundreds of arrests and injuries, as public buildings and vehicles were vandalised and set ablaze.
Security forces said “three youths were killed near Agadir after attempting to steal weapons during an attack on a security station.”
The Interior Ministry confirmed that over 640 people, including 589 security personnel, have been injured since the protests began, with minors accounting for 70% of those involved in violent acts.
Akhannouch reiterated that “dialogue is the only path” to resolving the crisis, stressing that the government is open to discussions with the youth movements.
The loosely organised group behind the protests, “GenZ 212,” has called for peaceful demonstrations and denounced violence.
Authorities, however, have vowed firm legal action against those engaged in looting and vandalism.