In several major African cities, a wave of protests led by young people has erupted, fueled by anger over corruption, high living costs, and widespread unemployment. The discontent first surfaced in Kenya, where Gen Z demonstrators rallied against a tax hike proposal, resulting in at least 50 casualties. President William Ruto eventually withdrew the bill and reshuffled his cabinet under pressure from the persistent protesters.
Kenya, a key economy in East Africa, has been grappling with soaring living expenses, exacerbated by escalating food prices and a surge in youth unemployment. The country also faces a significant debt burden, diverting a substantial portion of its revenue towards debt repayment.
The unrest quickly spread to Uganda, where citizens protested against government corruption, which reportedly siphons off billions of dollars annually. The protesters demanded accountability from lawmakers involved in graft scandals and called for the resignation of corrupt officials.
Uganda, despite experiencing economic stability due to oil-related growth and agricultural success, has been plagued by endemic corruption, scoring poorly on global corruption perception rankings.
In Nigeria, young people are gearing up for an 'end bad governance' march to address economic challenges, including high inflation rates and escalating unemployment. The protesters are also advocating for improved security measures and governance reforms.
The planned protests in Nigeria have raised concerns of potential violence, with authorities cautioning against unrest that could destabilize the country. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu urged citizens to refrain from participating in the protests, warning of external influences instigating the demonstrations.
The youth-led uprisings across Africa serve as a wake-up call for leaders to address economic disparities and governance issues. Experts emphasize the need for governments to engage with protesters' demands, create economic opportunities, and enhance governance to ensure stability on the continent.
As discontent among Africa's youth continues to grow, analysts warn of potential unrest spreading across the continent. The interconnectedness of youth activists through social media platforms has facilitated the spread of protests from one country to another, highlighting the urgency for leaders to heed the calls for change.
Recent protests in Senegal and Ghana further underscore the widespread dissatisfaction with governance and economic conditions in Africa. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo cautioned that neglecting the needs of the youth could lead to widespread chaos, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing youth grievances to avert a crisis.
