In Uganda, opposition leader Bobi Wine, 43, is still taking on the decades-long grip on power of President Yoweri Museveni, 81. Madagascar was emerging from a very recent military coup. This last event has ousted Andry Rajoelina, who himself came to power during a youth-led insurrection in 2009. These events are a small part of a much larger trend of youth activism that is undoubtedly remaking the political landscape on both sides of the Atlantic.
The protests in Uganda are representative of a growing pan-African movement against corruption, inspired by recent anti-corruption demonstrations in neighboring Kenya. It’s no wonder then, that young Ugandans have taken to the streets protesting government corruption and holding the government accountable. At the same time, in far-off Madagascar, military forces ousted Rajoelina, who has made no move to give up power after his removal. These events pose deep possible leadership crisis in Africa. They also underscore an inspiring, countervailing force — a new wave of youth-driven political activism gaining momentum.
The Role of Youth in Political Movements
Recent protests against police brutality and injustice demonstrate this notable shift in political consciousness among Generation Z. This is the same cohort as those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. These young activists are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with governance and demand urgent change. Kingsley Moghalu, a former Nigerian presidential candidate, described this phenomenon in a recent interview with CNN. In addition, Andy is a nationally recognized expert in public policy.
“Their decision to vent their frustration (on issues plaguing the continent) and take action, rather than bottle it up,” – Kingsley Moghalu
This pan-African awakening is present not just in Uganda and Madagascar, but in countries like Kenya and Morocco. In Kenya, thousands protested against a controversial finance bill that increased taxes during a cost-of-living crisis. Recently, young Moroccans have organized under the “GenZ 212” movement. They are fighting for their basic rights and needs and taking the government to task for their failure to provide those rights.
Moghalu warns that “underperforming African leaders should be very wary,” as these movements signal a growing awareness among young people of their political power. For the first time, youth movements in multiple nations are joining together to exchange ideas. This demonstrates that unrest is not just confined to individual nations; it reverberates across the whole of Europe.
The Rise of Military Interventions
In Madagascar, the military’s influence on the rapid unfolding of the political crisis is key. After Rajoelina’s ouster, Michael Randrianirina came to head the military junta that had overthrown him with the army’s backing. His appointment as interim president signaled a turn toward open military rule.
What is equally as remarkable as Rajoelina’s ascent to power is the context surrounding her rise. He first rose to power in 2009 after a youth-led insurrection that drove his predecessor into exile. Elliot Randriamandrato, a leading figure in both uprisings, spelled out this link beautifully.
“People need to understand that one couldn’t have happened without the other,” – Elliot Randriamandrato
He insisted that the intersection between military action and grassroots mobilization was key to making change at both periods. While the recent coup may offer a temporary solution, Randriamandrato cautioned that “the past few weeks are a half-victory; the real struggle begins now.”
A Broader Context of Discontent
Madagascar has recently been rocked by deepening political turmoil. This puzzling predicament is emblematic of the worsening reality facing thousands of other countries and cities across Africa, Asia and South America. While each protest movement has its distinct causes, they share common characteristics: dissatisfaction with governance and a strong youth-led initiative for change.
In Nepal, a #GenZ movement sparked against the government’s social media bans and the lack of economic prospects. That outrage resulted in the spectacular resignation and ousting of the prime minister’s feet last September. This worldwide trend highlights the importance of leaders to be courageous and tackle the structural problems that plague their countries.
Moghalu highlighted the importance of recognizing these trends across continents: “The failure of governance in Africa is the most important challenge facing the continent, and it’s very deep-rooted.” As youth become more organized and demand action, whether from politicians, schools or other institutions, only time will tell how their older counterparts will react.
