Morocco Welcomes Africa Cup of Nations Amid Youth Demonstrations Over Social Concerns

Morocco is hosting the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a significant football tournament that commenced on December 21, 2025. This event returns to Morocco nearly 40 years after its last staging there in 1988. Matches are being held across six cities in nine newly built or renovated stadiums, including the Hassan II Stadium, which accommodates 115,000 spectators, highlighting Morocco’s substantial investments in sports infrastructure.

However, this celebratory event has coincided with widespread protests organized by youth groups like Gen Z 212 and Moroccan Youth Voice. Demonstrators are calling for improvements in public services, particularly healthcare and education, criticizing the government’s expenditure on international sporting events while essential services remain underfunded.

The protests gained momentum after tragic incidents, such as the deaths of eight women during childbirth in a public hospital in Agadir, which spotlighted critical failures in the healthcare system. In response to the unrest, the Moroccan government has enforced increased security measures, including deploying more police and using surveillance technology. Despite these efforts, protests persist, reflecting deep-rooted frustrations among the youth over social inequality and prioritization of sports over essential public services.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch expressed willingness for dialogue, recognizing the government’s duty to respond to the social and economic concerns raised by protesters. He stressed that addressing these challenges through conversation is vital. As Morocco continues to celebrate AFCON, the nation faces the challenge of reconciling its sporting achievements with the urgent needs of its youth, a balance that will have lasting implications for the country’s social and political future.