Morocco: Protesters in Jerada demand jobs and development Dec. 28

Event

Thousands of demonstrators in Jerada (Oriental region) have called for jobs, development, and lower water and electricity prices in protests that began on Monday, December 25. The protests began after two men were killed in a tunnel accident in an abandoned coal pit on Friday, December 22, and were ongoing in the town as of Thursday, December 28. Protesters have also accused local officials of buying coal illegally mined at the pit for low prices, and then reselling it at higher prices for profit. Additional protests and consequent traffic disruptions are possible in Jerada and other cities in Oriental region in the coming days.

Context

Similar demonstrations in protest of high water and electricity prices broke out in Jerada on December 12. Young people often attempt to mine coal from the closed mines for extra income amid high unemployment rates.

Morocco has witnessed a series of demonstrations in protest of underdevelopment and unemployment in recent months, including those spurred by Hirak Al-Shaabi (Popular Movement) in Rif region. Hirak Al-Shaabi started in Al-Hoceima (Rif region) in October 2016. The movement is broadly focused on curbing perceived government corruption, widespread social injustice, poverty, and underdevelopment.

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering as a precaution.​