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Aït Bouguemez residents march for dignity and basic rights
In the early hours of July 9, 2025, over a thousand residents of Aït Bouguemez, a valley nestled in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, embarked on a peaceful march to demand improved living conditions and basic rights. Their journey, spanning 77 kilometers, was aimed at drawing attention to years of systemic neglect by local and regional authorities.
A valley of beauty and hardship
Known as "The Happy Valley" for its breathtaking landscapes, Aït Bouguemez is home to 27 villages scattered across Azilal province. Despite its natural charm, the region struggles with chronic underdevelopment, poor infrastructure, and inadequate public services. Frustrated by inaction after weeks of formal complaints, the residents, led by Tabant commune president Khaled Tougougun, decided to escalate their demands through a peaceful march.
A peaceful protest met with obstacles
The protesters carried no weapons and adhered strictly to the principles of nonviolence. However, security forces blocked their path at the Tizi N’Terghist mountain pass, forcing them to take a longer, more difficult route. Undeterred, the marchers continued, demonstrating what observers described as “discipline and civic responsibility.”
Pressing demands for healthcare and infrastructure
At the core of the protesters' demands is the urgent need for a resident doctor. Aït Bouguemez’s health center has operated without a full-time physician for years, leaving residents to rely on distant hospitals for even the most basic care. “There are only nurses,” said local resident Hassan Laakoun, who highlighted how medical emergencies often turn fatal due to delays.
Infrastructure issues, especially the deteriorating state of regional roads, are another critical concern. Roads 302 and 317, which connect the valley to neighboring areas, become nearly impassable during winter, isolating entire villages for weeks. Connectivity is also a major challenge, with many areas lacking reliable phone or internet services.
Beyond the basics: a vision for development
The residents’ demands extend beyond healthcare and transportation. They seek a community sports field for youth, a training center for mountain-related trades, and better educational facilities to address high dropout rates. They also call for the construction of small dams to reduce flood damage and an urban development plan to resolve housing permit issues.
A march of hope and resilience
The march was not just a call for help but also a testament to the resilience and civic maturity of Aït Bouguemez’s people. Marchers expressed gratitude and trust in the authorities, hoping their collective voice would finally bring tangible change to their long-neglected valley.