The Rise of Young Africans Against Bad Governance: A Wake-up Call for Governments Across the Continent

Strategic Insights -

In a bold pushback against decades of poor governance, unemployment, and limited opportunities, a new generation of young Africans is taking to the streets, social media, and town halls to demand change from their leaders. This surge in activism, marked by protests and digital mobilization, is a stark warning to governments across the continent that the old ways of doing things are no longer acceptable.

Key Takeaways:

  • Young Africans are no longer willing to be silenced by condescending rhetoric or empty promises, and are demanding a new social contract that prioritizes their needs and aspirations.
  • The #RejectFinanceBill protests in Kenya and other similar movements across the continent are a testament to the power of collective action, with young people harnessing digital platforms and street protests to demand change.
  • Governments' initial response to these protests is often to resort to repression and violence, highlighting the need for a fundamental shift in how they engage with young people and address their grievances.
  • Young people are not fundamentally opposed to government reforms or the sacrifices that may be required to achieve them, but demand transparency, accountability, and real action to address the root causes of their grievances.
  • The influence of young people in shaping the continent's future will only grow, making it imperative for governments to develop effective strategies for engaging with and addressing the needs of this demographic.

Statistics:

  • Between 2009 and 2014, a series of anti-government demonstrations and uprisings swept across Africa, toppling decades-long dictatorships in Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
  • In 2011, the Y'en a Marre ('Fed Up') movement in Senegal mobilized young people to vote out then-President Abdoulaye Wade, leading to the election of 44-year-old Basirou Diomanye Faye as President of Senegal.
  • The #OccupyNigeria protests in 2012 and the #EndSARS protests in 2020 in Nigeria demonstrated the power of young people in driving social change and demanding accountability from their leaders.
  • The Kenyan #RejectFinanceBill protests in 2024 resulted in the withdrawal of government funding to some offices, the abolition of redundant departments and agencies, and the sacking of the entire cabinet, except for two officials.

Sources:

  • Ibraheem Sanusi, "The Rise of Young People Against Bad Governance in Africa," [Journalist](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jun/20/kenya-reject-finance-bill-protesters-demand-action-change).
  • The African Governance Architecture Secretariat of the African Union Commission, [AGA Youth Engagement Strategy](https://au.int/en/node/101241).
  • Various news outlets, including The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and BBC News, covering the #RejectFinanceBill protests in Kenya and other similar movements across the continent.