Moroccan Kickboxing Icon Urges Peaceful Protest Amid Youth Unrest

In a message posted on his official Instagram account, Badr Hari, while recognizing the legitimacy of the demands of Moroccan youth, has called on them to demonstrate peacefully. "Whatever the legitimacy of the demands, and they are indeed legitimate, violence cannot be the way. Demanding progress is a right, but resorting to violence is unacceptable," he said. The former fighter warns against the riots and acts of sabotage observed during some dispersed protests, stressing that these acts can harm workers, citizens and families who simply aspire to dignity and a better future.

Badr Hari adds: "The demands we are hearing today in Morocco are real and legitimate. It is natural that citizens demand faster and deeper progress in areas that affect their daily lives: health, education and justice. And these voices must not be ignored, for they reflect a true will of a country that is rising up and aspiring to more dignity for all." However, he welcomes the progress made by the kingdom in recent years. "But understanding these needs does not mean denying the progress made by Morocco. On the contrary: in recent years, our country has taken notable steps forward. Thanks to strong economic growth, ambitious investments in infrastructure and the emergence of new industries, Morocco has consolidated its position as an emerging power," he argues.

The former Glory star also highlights Morocco’s advances on the international and economic stage. According to him, Morocco "is no longer just a spectator, but a leading player, consolidating its position as a future leader in the field of fertilizers or green hydrogen, a sector that will be the future of energy." He also points out that "living standards have seen positive developments despite the major challenges." On the diplomatic front, Badr Hari states that "today, Morocco stands as a continental leader. Economically, diplomatically and in influence, it inspires many African countries. Our duty is not to demolish what has been built, but to consolidate these achievements, amplify them and demand more of ourselves," he continues: "The vision of our King, the energy of our youth, the creativity of our people and the brilliance of our diaspora abroad. All these elements come together to find solutions, build together and pave the way to a stronger Morocco."

The kickboxing champion concludes his message with a call for civic engagement and democratic participation. He urges the youth to "believe in the power of participation, ideas and voting," calling on them to "get involved in electoral programs and participate in local and national elections," which he sees as "the way a generation can shape its future." In his conclusion, Badr Hari is optimistic and unifying: "Morocco is progressing, and it is progressing in great strides. The challenge we face is not whether progress is real, but how to accelerate it, deepen it and put it at the service of every Moroccan. If we build on what we have, and if we unite our talents, the future of Morocco will not only be a future based on resilience, but a future based on leadership, dignity and shared prosperity."