Morocco: Strike, protests planned in Jerada province January 19-20 /update 3

Event

Miners in Jerada province (Oriental region) have called for a new one-day general strike in the province to take place on Friday, January 19, demanding job creation and economic investment. The miners reportedly announced the work stoppage after regional authorities released a list of job creation and investment guarantees for residents of the town of Jerada on Tuesday, January 16, and promised to reduce the effective cost of water and electricity bills. Miners in the area, however, have considered the promises insufficient, demanding that jobs and investments be provided immediately. Associated demonstrations are also planned throughout Jerada province on Saturday, January 20.

Additional protests, transportation and commercial disruptions, and a heightened security presence are expected in Jerada province and other towns and cities in Oriental region in the coming weeks.

Context

Various demonstrations have been held in Jerada since late December to demand job creation, economic development, and lower water and electricity prices. The protests began after two young people died on December 22 while attempting to extract coal from a closed pit near the town. Such protests have become common throughout Morocco in recent years amid poor economic conditions.

Advice

Individuals in Jerada province and elsewhere in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid public demonstrations and gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.