Violent Protests Erupt in Fnideq as Residents Demand Jobs Promised by Moroccan Government

Estimated by some witnesses at around 300, the protesters suddenly gathered, chanting slogans hostile to the authorities. Some videos shot on mobile phones in this overheated atmosphere show several protesters in the middle of the crowd self-mutilating.

Since last February and in response to the various demonstrations in Fnideq, the government had provided the residents of this commune with food assistance and thousands of additional purchase vouchers worth 300 dirhams. The clothing factories and production units had even employed a hundred women, but the majority were later laid off.

During the first demonstrations, the government also promised to promote the creation of local businesses, as well as public projects, which can absorb the record unemployment rate in this city. Local activists believe, for their part, that the authorities have used this strategy to obtain the cessation of the demonstrators. Meanwhile, the government on its side, is asking for a little more time to implement the planned system.