Protest riots leaves heavy material toll with millions in damage

Violent clashes that swept through several Moroccan cities late Wednesday caused hundreds of injuries and widespread property damage, with initial estimates suggesting losses could run into the tens of millions of dirhams.

The Interior Ministry said Thursday that 354 people were injured, including 326 members of security forces, during riots that broke out overnight. Authorities reported severe damage to 271 police vehicles, 175 private cars, and about 80 facilities, including government offices, health centers, security posts, municipal buildings, banks, and shops across 23 provinces and prefectures.

While officials have not released a full financial assessment, surveillance footage captured acts of vandalism, looting and arson in public spaces. Early estimates suggest damages could exceed 25 million dirhams ($2.5 million) and may climb to as much as 210 million dirhams ($21 million), depending on the severity of destruction taken into account.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Rachid El Khalfi warned that in some areas, rioters escalated violence by storming state-owned buildings and security facilities, sometimes using bladed weapons. One of the most serious incidents was reported in the town of Ait Melloul, near Agadir, where groups forced their way into public property.

Officials cautioned that the final tally could rise further once losses from business interruptions, damaged stock, infrastructure repairs, banking losses and insurance claims are factored in.

The unrest comes amid a wave of youth-led protests, largely driven by members of “Generation Z,” who make up more than a quarter of Morocco’s population. While many demonstrations in recent days have been peaceful, violent outbreaks on Tuesday and Wednesday underscored the volatility of the situation.

The protests reflect mounting frustration among Moroccan youth over inadequate education, poor health care, unemployment and lack of opportunities. A 2024 academic study highlighted the economic strain of this demographic, noting that “NEET” youth — those not in education, employment or training — cost Morocco more than 60 billion dirhams in public spending and 55 billion dirhams in lost opportunity costs in 2019 alone.

Authorities say they remain committed to protecting public order while safeguarding rights and freedoms. But with damages mounting and public pressure growing, the protests represent one of the most significant challenges faced by Morocco in recent years.