Protests resume in Morocco despite government promises to fight corruption

Rallies resume on Thursday despite signs the government is ready to tackle corruption.

Amnesty International on Thursday urged Moroccan authorities to allow peaceful protests and stop using “excessive force” against demonstrators who continue to rally for social justice and an end to corruption, even as the government signals readiness to strengthen anti-graft measures.

According to official figures, three people have died and 409 people have been arrested since September 28, with at least 193 facing trial, many on bail.

“Anyone who is still being detained solely for exercising their right of peaceful assembly should be immediately and unconditionally released. No one should be punished for exercising their human rights, demanding their economic or social rights, or calling for an end to corruption,” Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, told OCCRP.

After ten days of nationwide protests, a group called Gen Z 212 — a reference to Generation Z and Morocco’s country code — said demonstrations would resume Thursday after a two-day pause, ahead of King Mohammed VI’s expected royal address at the opening of Parliament on Friday.

Moroccan authorities vowed Tuesday to bolster anti-corruption efforts within the security sector and strengthen institutional cooperation on “transparency and integrity.” An agreement was signed between the General Directorate of National Security, the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance, and the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention, and Combating Corruption.

The government insisted the move was not a reaction to the protests but part of a plan developed since July, describing the pact as a reflection of its “commitment to preserving the rule of law and respecting human rights.”

Since September 27, demonstrators across Morocco have demanded fairer distribution of resources and an end to corruption, accusing the government of prioritizing spending on infrastructure for the 2030 World Cup over hospitals, schools, and other essential services.