Recently, there has been a wave of protests in several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria. These movements have been driven by deep dissatisfaction with tax hikes, corruption, and rising living costs that many African citizens face daily.
The protests were particularly prominent in Kenya in June, where demonstrators stormed the parliament in Nairobi in response to anger over the government’s tax policies. The protests resulted in violent clashes, with buildings being set on fire and many lawmakers needing to hide for their safety. The dramatic situation in Kenya has inspired similar protests in neighboring countries such as Uganda and Nigeria.
In Uganda, young protesters attempted to express their dissatisfaction with corruption on July 23, despite President Yoweri Museveni’s ban on protests. Many individuals were arrested, but demonstrations continued despite police opposition. In Nigeria, the economic crisis has worsened under President Bola Tinubu, leading to rising food prices and an increasing famine among the population. This situation triggered massive demonstrations in August, known as #EndBadGovernance, where thousands took to the streets to demand improvements.
Scholars are divided in their assessment of whether the ongoing protests are part of a broader African uprising. Some see parallels to the Arab Spring, where social media played a significant role in mobilizing protesters. Analyst Tafi Mhaka has pointed out the similarities between the current protests and the early days of the Tunisian uprising, where young people channeled their anger over corruption and mismanagement.
However, there is also criticism of connecting the various movements as a singular African uprising. Political analyst Chris Ogunmodede argues that it is an oversimplification to view three countries as representative of the entire continent. He contends that each nation has its unique political systems and social dynamics, making it essential to understand the local context.
Despite the differences in protests from country to country, there is a common thread of dissatisfaction among young Africans, who represent a significant portion of the population. Researcher Nanjala Nyabola believes that many young people have not only suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic but have also experienced a “grand time of discontinuation,” facing an uncertain future characterized by unemployment and limited opportunities.
The explosive discontent that characterizes the streets of many African countries has been amplified by social media, which creates a space for communication and mobilization. The recent protests have shown a new form of organized resistance, where leadership is more diffuse and harder for authorities to dismantle.
In response to these movements, governments have also taken steps to quell the protests. Partial internet restrictions have been implemented in countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda to prevent the spread of information. This indicates that those in power are learning from the ways in which their opponents are organizing.
Regardless of how the situation evolves, it is clear that the growing frustration among African youth will not dissipate easily. The current wave of protests may signal that something larger is on the horizon—a consciousness that a web of solidarity and protest structures is developing, as African youth strive to change their fate.