• According to the official statement, “The National Coordination of Victims of the al-Haouz Earthquake” will hold a protest in front of the Parliament of Morocco in Rabat at 11:00 (local time) on February 17.  
• The protest is being held to demand compensation from the authorities to the affected populations of the al-Haouz Earthquake in September 2023. 
• The group stated that delays in the government’s compensation and a perceived failure to meet their demands have prompted the decision to resume vigils and protest marches in Rabat. 

1. The al-Haouz earthquake, which struck Morocco on September 8, 2023, resulted in 2,946 fatalities and 5,674 injuries, causing widespread destruction in mountainous regions near Marrakesh. The significant damage to infrastructure, combined with dissatisfaction over perceived delays in compensation, has fueled public frustration. These grievances have likely been compounded by the reported detention of prominent activist Said Ait Mahdi in January who played a key role in organizing previous protests denouncing the government’s perceived inadequate response to the earthquake. Fellow activists have likely interpreted his detention as emblematic of the government’s dismissive attitude toward victims’ concerns, adding momentum to the upcoming demonstration. 
2. FORECAST: In this context, the slated protest can be expected to drive a turnout in the mid to high dozens and maintain an anti-government tone. Protesters may be emotionally charged, treating this demonstration as a critical effort to have their grievances addressed. In anticipation of this and given the protest location outside a prominent government institution, a bolstered security presence can be expected. There will remain a risk of unrest, given heightened public frustration, with localized scuffles between protesters and police being a plausible scenario. Should this materialize, police officials may implement forcible crowd-control measures, including conducting arrests if necessary. Disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular movement in the area are anticipated, as authorities work to maintain order. 

Those operating or residing in Rabat on February 17 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the Parliament of Morocco due to the slated protest and potential for unrest.