Man stages 10-day protest on water tower, demands probe into father’s death

Perched atop a water tower in the rural commune of Oulad Youssef, a 40-year-old man known locally as Bouabid has entered the tenth day of a dramatic and solitary protest demanding justice for his late father.

The rare and emotionally charged demonstration began last Tuesday when Bouabid climbed the tower and vowed not to descend until authorities launch what he calls “a transparent and impartial investigation” into his father’s death, which he believes occurred under suspicious circumstances shortly after the man’s retirement.

Despite sweltering heat and mounting physical strain, Bouabid has refused food and water. Attempts by authorities and family members to persuade him to abandon his high-altitude sit-in have been met with a single repeated chant: “Long live the King.” The phrase, shouted from the tower, appears to be a direct plea to Morocco’s highest authority.

Local sources described Bouabid as a peaceful and humble man facing difficult personal circumstances. “He never resorted to confrontation before,” said one neighbor. “But he seems to have lost all hope and felt he had no choice but to go to this extreme.”

In one of the most heart-wrenching moments at the protest site, Bouabid’s mother traveled from Laayoune in southern Morocco and pleaded tearfully with her son to come down. Her emotional appeal, however, failed to sway him from what he insists is a moral stand for truth.

The unusual protest has drawn significant local attention. Crowds now gather daily at the base of the tower, watching in growing concern. Yet, despite the mounting visibility of the case, there has been no official intervention or public statement addressing his demands.

Local civil society and human rights organizations have raised alarm over Bouabid’s deteriorating condition. They warned that the protest could quickly turn into a humanitarian tragedy, citing harsh weather conditions and the lack of basic physical or psychological protection.

As of Wednesday evening, Bouabid remained suspended between sky and earth, his thin figure visible against the backdrop of the setting sun. He insists he will not descend until a serious investigation is launched into what he believes is a “mysterious death” and unresolved inheritance issues tied to his father’s passing.