Morocco: Makhzen Policies Ignite Violent Clashes Between Protesters, Security Forces
Violent clashes erupted between security forces and residents of the Sidi Aissa Ben Slimane region, in the province of El Kelaâ des Sraghna in central Morocco, as locals protested against the policies of the Makhzen. These policies have exacerbated the suffering of the population through the seizure of their lands, amid growing poverty and marginalization. Demonstrations have spread to several towns and villages, with protesters expressing anger over the lack of basic living conditions.
On Wednesday, numerous local media outlets and social media platforms circulated videos documenting Tuesday’s violent clashes. The footage showed citizens throwing stones as the Makhzen’s security forces attempted to seize land to open a road leading to a sand quarry owned by a high-ranking regime figure.
Citizens voiced their rejection of security authorities attempting to enforce an unlawful judicial order, leading to confrontations that left numerous people injured, some seriously. This escalation reflects mounting popular anger toward the Makhzen’s policies of expropriating land and property to hand them over, without legal basis, to influential figures or foreign interests.
In this regard, rights activists expressed solidarity with the inhabitants of the region, which has been facing a disastrous situation due to a lack of development. They further affirmed that the judicial system has been transformed into an instrument of the Makhzen regime to serve its inner circle and illegally plunder citizens’ rights, while highlighting that the security apparatus has become a tool serving the interests of the powerful.
Similarly, social media users voiced outrage at these practices, stressing the right of citizens to defend their property while the security forces protect the elite. They reiterated that a “popular uprising is inevitable” given the growing injustice and repression.
Simultaneously, protests broke out in several villages, including Sidi M’Hamed Chelh in the Sidi Kacem province, over the exclusion of residents from aid intended to compensate for losses caused by recent floods.
Meanwhile, Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet (or Ali Lahrouchi, as cited) told APS that “Morocco is witnessing a sustained wave of protests across multiple sectors, now extending to the citizens of the ‘Forgotten Morocco’ who are demanding an end to marginalization.” He added that “the Makhzen’s repressive response has turned peaceful protests into violent confrontations.” The speaker underscored that “the Moroccan people have begun to realize that rights are taken, not given,” expressing regret that the security forces have become a tool of repression dedicated to protecting the interests and corruption of the system.
