Morocco is facing several days of unrest as protests led by the GenZ212 collective continue to sweep across major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangier.
The demonstrations, which began on September 27, demand social and political reforms, improved public services, and greater opportunities for youth participation.
Tensions escalated on October 4 when Abdelkader Bengrina, a close associate of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and leader of the Algerian Al Bina party, issued a provocative statement urging Moroccans to “March to the royal palace and end normalization now!” The remarks were met with immediate backlash, with Moroccan media and commentators condemning them as external interference in domestic affairs.
The Le360 website described Bengrina’s speech as “interference by the Algerian regime in Morocco,” asserting that his supporters “can continue to fantasize about an uprising against the centuries-old monarchy in Morocco” but fail to understand that “the Moroccan nation is consubstantial with the Royalty whose first dynasty dates back to 788.” The outlet further suggested Algeria should focus on its internal challenges, including potential unrest at home.
Despite the unrest, reports indicate that most protests have involved fewer than 1,000 participants, largely young Moroccans expressing loyalty to their nation and crown while calling for reform. The demonstrations have occasionally clashed with law enforcement but remain relatively contained.
Morocco-Algeria relations, historically fraught by territorial and political disputes, particularly the Sand War of 1963 and the ongoing Western Sahara conflict, have added layers of complexity to the current situation. Algerian support for the Polisario Front and Morocco’s claims to Western Sahara have long fueled mistrust, diplomatic ruptures, and regional tension.
Bengrina’s remarks, set against this backdrop, highlight the fragility of bilateral relations and the sensitivity surrounding domestic protests in Morocco.
Analysts note that perceived foreign interference can inflame local tensions, complicate regional diplomacy, and potentially affect trade and political cooperation between the two North African nations.
As protests continue, Moroccan authorities and citizens are navigating a delicate balance between asserting national sovereignty, addressing legitimate domestic demands, and managing regional geopolitical pressures.
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