Morocco is witnessing rising unrest in its mountainous regions, where remote communities are mobilizing to demand access to essential services.
Villages in the Aït Bouguemez Valley recently made headlines after residents walked approximately sixty kilometers to their provincial capital to protest persistent isolation and infrastructural neglect.
For many villagers, daily life is marked by impassable winter trails, scarce healthcare facilities, and long journeys to schools or markets.
These hardships have created a profound sense of abandonment, prompting collective action to draw attention to their plight.
“The complaints of these communities have been recurring for years without any concrete solution,” said Naima Ouahli, a member of the central office of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, speaking to RFI. “The residents are demanding what should be basic rights: access to running water, schools, and medical care.”
The march, which drew hundreds of villagers, was not motivated by ideology but by necessity. Participants emphasized that their goal is not political gain but the assurance of basic dignity and equality between urban and rural areas. The journey of several dozen kilometers highlights both the urgency and gravity of their situation.
This demonstration underscores a structural problem affecting many rural communities across Morocco. Residents argue that the widening gap between cities and the countryside threatens social cohesion and questions the ability of local authorities to address long-standing inequities.
Observers note that similar protests have been occurring in other parts of the Maghreb, reflecting broader regional challenges in balancing development and infrastructure. In Morocco, these movements have sparked debate about the need for targeted policies that prioritize basic services in remote areas.
As rural populations demand recognition and tangible solutions, the central question remains whether authorities will respond effectively. Failure to address these grievances risks further widening the divide between marginalized communities and state institutions, with implications for social stability and national cohesion.
The residents of Aït Bouguemez have sent a clear message: they are not seeking privileges, but the fundamental conditions required for a decent life. Whether this appeal will translate into lasting change is yet to be seen.
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