Youth Protests Escalate in Morocco and Madagascar

GenZ 212, a decentralized anonymous youth collective founded on Discord in mid‑September, has mobilized tens of thousands across Morocco to demand urgent public health and education reforms after reports that eight pregnant women died at an Agadir hospital. The movement, which says it is apolitical and loyal to the king, surged after authorities banned initial demonstrations and now stages daily rallies in about a dozen cities. Although GenZ 212 disavows violence and many protests have been peaceful, clashes escalated in some areas and an attempted attack on a gendarmerie post near Agadir prompted security forces to open fire, killing three people; prosecutors have opened investigations and the collective has demanded the government’s dismissal and the release of detainees. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has signaled openness to dialogue. In Madagascar, separate Gen Z Mada–led demonstrations over chronic power cuts, water shortages and the Sept. 19 arrest of two city politicians have continued despite President Andry Rajoelina sacking his government; the U.N. reports at least 22 deaths and more than 100 injured, figures the government disputes.