PROTESTS broke out in several Moroccan cities yesterday as people rallied against rising prices and to commemorate the 11th anniversary of demonstrations that called for reform. 

In the capital Rabat, dozens of protesters decried the high cost of basic goods and shouted slogans harking back to the “February 20 Movement”, an AFP correspondent said.

The pro-reform and anti-corruption movement was born out of the Arab Spring uprisings that rocked the Middle East in 2011. 

Dozens also rallied in Casablanca and Tangiers, according to videos posted on social media.

Drought has hurt the country’s economy and Moroccans are also feeling the pinch from high fuel prices. 

Some 3.8 billion dirhams (RM4.3 billion) is needed for flour subsidies alone this year, according to an Economy Ministry official. – AFP, February 21, 2022.