The Gen Z movement is spreading across Africa like wild fire

Inspired by Kenya's recent protests, youths in other African countries like Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Uganda are now organizing demonstrations against their governments' mismanagement. The Gen Z movement in Kenya has achieved significant victories. They include the withdrawal of Finance Bill 2024, the dismissal of the cabinet, banning of public servants from participating in fundraisers, President Ruto's dialogue with protesters, and the latest one which involved the resignation of the Inpector General of Police, Japhet Koome due to abuses of power and killings.

Protestors have called for further nationwide protests on Tuesday, July 16 which is actually ongoing today, over the government's failure to prosecute government forces suspected of killing at least 41 people, mostly in Nairobi on June 25, when protesters briefly overran Parliament and set part of it ablaze, prompting a heavy police response. Looting has been reported in several towns and cities, though it's unclear whether state-backed provocateurs or opportunist criminals were responsible, as both sides are pointing fingers at each other.

In an attempt to subdue the protests, President Ruto announced that a national dialogue would begin yesterday on Monday to defuse tensions in the country. However many Kenyans are still calling for Ruto to step down and for an independent legal inquiry into alleged corruption and killings. These victories have inspired others across the continent to organize against perceived corruption, failing economies, and government resource mismanagement in their respective countries.

Inorganic online activity has been detected amplifying both government and Gen Z discourse, as Africa faces its biggest information challenge to date. Local, state, and foreign influence operations are feared to be attempting to co-opt or disrupt the protests, adding to the chaos. Anonymous has mostly suspended its intervention attempts out of caution, fearing tainted leaks, malicious influence campaigns, and de-legitimizing the protests, which have so far succeeded in forcing the government to withdraw the proposed tax bill, achieving their original goal.

Malawi

In Malawi, young people had organized a 'national shutdown demonstration' originally scheduled for July 10. However, this demonstration was postponed due to the ongoing school exams, reflecting the organizers' consideration for the academic commitments of the youth who are integral to the movement.

Human rights activist Edward Kambanje, one of the key organizers of the protest, articulated the multiple grievances driving the demonstration. He highlighted several critical issues, including unnecessary taxes that are burdening the populace, exorbitant pump prices that are making daily living increasingly unaffordable, poor governance that is eroding public trust, and the heavy-handedness of the government in dealing with dissent and criticism.

Kambanje emphasized that the aim of the protest is not just to voice these concerns but to build a sustained movement that the authorities can no longer afford to ignore. "We aim to build a sustained movement that can no longer be ignored by authorities," Kambanje stated in an interview with The Africa Report.

Uganda

In Uganda, young people are planning a significant march to parliament on July 23 to protest against legislative and government corruption. The demonstration is driven by widespread discontent among the youth, who are increasingly frustrated with the state of the nation.

Mukungu Patrick, an accountant and one of the protest organizers, has highlighted several key issues fueling the planned march. Among these are the high rates of youth unemployment, which leave many young people without prospects for the future, and severe economic hardships that make everyday life a struggle for many Ugandans. Patrick also points to pervasive corruption within the government and the legislative bodies, which undermines trust in public institutions and impedes national development. Additionally, there are numerous broken promises from the government that have left the populace feeling betrayed and disillusioned.

The organizers are realistic about the challenges ahead. They acknowledge that, unlike in Kenya, their protest may not lead to immediate policy changes or dramatic government action. However, they remain resolute in their mission, believing that even small steps are crucial in the fight for justice and accountability.

Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, where youths are reportedly planning their own protest, the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is known for stifling dissent. "Mnangagwa’s regime has demonstrated itself to be impervious to grievances," says veteran human rights lawyer Doug Coltart. "But even the most hard-headed regimes can be forced to grant concessions with sustained, organized, and disciplined nonviolent action, as the Kenyan youth have shown." Nigeria Nigeria’s young people have been sharing banners on social media platforms calling for a “nationwide protest to defend Nigeria” scheduled for August. They are calling out alleged economic mismanagement, corruption, and the skyrocketing cost of living in Africa’s most populous nation.

In Zimbabwe, youths are reportedly planning their own protest against the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a regime known for stifling dissent. Veteran human rights lawyer Doug Coltart has commented on the situation, stating, "Mnangagwa’s regime has demonstrated itself to be impervious to grievances. But even the most hard-headed regimes can be forced to grant concessions with sustained, organized, and disciplined nonviolent action, as the Kenyan youth have shown." The planned protests in Zimbabwe reflect a growing frustration among the youth, who are inspired by the successes of their counterparts in Kenya.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, young people are mobilizing for a “nationwide protest to defend Nigeria,” scheduled for August. They have been actively sharing banners on social media platforms, calling attention to alleged economic mismanagement, corruption, and the skyrocketing cost of living in Africa’s most populous nation. The organizers aim to draw attention to these pressing issues and demand accountability and change from their government.

Gambia

On July 9 in The Gambia, hundreds of protesters, primarily young people, marched to the parliament in a rare demonstration. They called for the withdrawal of legislation aimed at improving the remunerations of judicial officers and Members of Parliament amidst worsening economic hardships in the country. The protest, which was organized on social media, ended peacefully, showcasing the power of online mobilization in bringing together concerned citizens.

However, there are growing concerns about potential chaos if parliament proceeds with passing the Judicial Officers Bill and the National Assembly Salaries and Pensions Bill. The protesters argue that at a time when the country is facing significant economic challenges, such legislation is inappropriate and insensitive to the struggles of ordinary Gambians. The peaceful nature of the July 9 protest highlights the youth's commitment to nonviolent action, yet the possibility of unrest looms if their grievances are not addressed.

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