Fifth-Generation Wars in Morocco: Between Media Deceptions and Exploitation of Illusory Violence
Recent protests were sparked by an anonymous call on social media, aimed, according to misleading rhetoric, at mobilizing what is dubbed “Generation Z.” However, the undeniable truth is that the term “Generation Z” does not reflect any tangible reality within Moroccan society; it serves merely as a tactical means to portray our youth as a perpetual source of disturbance, lending false legitimacy to protests pre-organized by familiar voices with judicial backgrounds. These voices have been exploited previously by factions hostile to the kingdom in earlier attempts to tarnish Morocco’s human rights image, employing the same strategy in the current phase of fifth-generation warfare that remains in its infancy within the nation.
The protests initially appeared peaceful, but quickly escalated into organized violence across several cities, targeting both public and private properties. A total of 263 members of the National Security were injured, and dozens of vehicles and institutions were vandalized. The peak of this decline occurred during the incident in Inzegane, where a group attempted to storm a royal gendarmerie center to seize weapons, prompting law enforcement to mount a legitimate defensive response, resulting in the death of three assailants.
Despite attempts by some foreign outlets to portray the incident as police violence, video evidence has confirmed the forces’ commitment to restraint, acting within the law and implementing a cautious policy that avoided excessive use of force. A total of 409 individuals were arrested, most of whom were detained in compliance with legal procedures under the supervision of the public prosecutor.
Moroccan criminal law is stringent and clear, with penalties reaching life imprisonment or the death penalty in specific cases, as well as imposing civil liability on minors’ guardians, while retaining the state’s right to claim compensation for material and moral damages. These measures affirm that the state will not be lenient with those who attempt to undermine national security or incite chaos.
What is unfolding today marks the beginning of a strategic phase in the fifth-generation wars, aiming to weaken the state from within by creating false tensions and exploiting politically unaware youth. Such attacks are expected to proliferate in the coming years unless a comprehensive national strategy for awareness and guidance is activated. Here, the role of the media is crucial, serving not only to relay news but to clarify understanding, dismantle lies, and protect society from falling into misleading narratives.
The real challenge today, which media stakeholders must grasp, is that the upcoming phase requires strict discipline among journalists and full awareness of their national responsibility. Otherwise, we risk remaining trapped in side battles that benefit only individuals, while the state and its national security remain targets for those betting on chaos and distortion.
Ultimately, the issue is not just about confronting transient protests but rather a war on consciousness and truths, exploiting illusory dangers to pave the way for hostile plans regarding the kingdom’s future. The only strategy capable of thwarting these attempts is systematic awareness and a coherent media strategy, while maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and the responsibilities of both citizens and journalists alike.
