Quake Victims in Al Haouz Demand Action, Resuming Protests Against Minister's Inaction

Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Plan to Resume Protests, Accuse Government of Neglect

The National Coordination for Al Haouz Earthquake Victims has announced plans to restart street protests, accusing the government of ignoring their demands for nearly two years. The group released a statement in response to recent comments by Housing Minister Fatima Zahra Mansouri, who praised Morocco’s solidarity during the earthquake and called for “listening to one another” to find “realistic solutions.” However, the coordination argued that the minister’s remarks contradict the government’s actions.

“For two years, we have organized dozens of protests, sent letters to officials, and appealed to institutions,” the statement said. “We found no listening or response. Families are still excluded from compensation.” The coordination highlighted that hundreds of victims remain without financial aid or proper housing, despite losing their homes in the 2023 earthquake. Many continue to live in temporary shelters or depend on relatives for support.

The group criticized the authorities for their lack of response, stating that it shows “a clear contradiction between the minister’s words and the reality of neglected families.” Victims described ongoing hardship among poor families, widows, and elderly survivors who struggle with travel costs, health issues, and psychological stress while waiting for compensation.

The coordination thanked youth involved in the “Generation Z” protests for including earthquake victims’ demands among their slogans. It emphasized that the group supports all peaceful movements calling for access to health care, education, work, housing, and dignity. At the same time, the group distanced itself from recent acts of vandalism in some cities, condemning “all forms of destruction and assaults on public or private property.”

It stated that these behaviors do not represent the victims’ movement, which remains committed to peaceful and legal protest. The coordination called on the government to urgently resolve pending compensation files, include all excluded victims, and investigate alleged manipulation in aid distribution.

Key Demands and Future Actions

The coordination outlined several key demands:

• The government must resolve pending compensation files.
• All excluded victims should be included in the aid distribution process.
• An investigation into alleged manipulation in aid distribution is necessary.

In addition to these demands, the group announced that a new round of peaceful demonstrations will be organized in front of parliament and regional offices. These protests aim to draw attention to the ongoing struggles of earthquake victims and push for meaningful action from the authorities.

The group emphasized that its protests will remain peaceful and legal, rejecting any form of violence or destruction. It also reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights of affected families, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.

Challenges Faced by Victims

Victims have faced significant challenges over the past two years, including:

• Ongoing hardship due to lack of financial aid.
• Continued reliance on temporary shelters or family support.
• Struggles with health issues, travel costs, and psychological stress.
• Limited access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Despite these difficulties, the coordination has remained persistent in its efforts to secure justice and support for those affected by the earthquake. The group has organized numerous protests and engaged with various institutions to highlight their plight.

Support from Youth Movements

The involvement of youth movements, particularly the “Generation Z” protests, has been a positive development for the coordination. These groups have amplified the voices of earthquake victims, incorporating their demands into broader social and political campaigns. This collaboration has helped to bring more attention to the issues faced by victims and has encouraged greater public awareness.

However, the coordination has also stressed the importance of maintaining peaceful and legal methods of protest. While it supports the right to demonstrate, it does not condone any actions that could harm public or private property. The group believes that sustained pressure through lawful means is the most effective way to achieve change.

Conclusion

The National Coordination for Al Haouz Earthquake Victims continues to fight for the rights and well-being of those affected by the 2023 earthquake. Their upcoming protests are a clear signal that they will not stop until their demands are met. With continued support from youth movements and a commitment to peaceful advocacy, the group hopes to bring about meaningful reforms and ensure that all victims receive the assistance they deserve.