Did Kenya trigger a new wave of protests in Africa?
The Kenyan protest led by the youth in the country which has been widely described as a ‘Gen Z’ inspired may have inadvertently sparked a new wave of protests on the African continent.
What merely started on an X (Twitter) Space discussion blew into a nationwide protest which ended with several casualties and alleged abductions.
Now, many other African youths are demanding similar reforms from their governments with Kenya as their reference and template.
Kenya's uprising
On July 16, 2024, widespread protests erupted in Kenya, with demonstrators clashing with police in Nairobi and other major cities. The unrest, which resulted in casualties and allegations of abductions, was triggered by grievances against President William Ruto's government.
Protesters demanded the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which President Ruto eventually rescinded, alongside a Cabinet overhaul and national dialogue. Despite these concessions, the youth remain dissatisfied, with some demanding the president's resignation.
Spread of protests to Uganda
The wave of dissent has crossed borders into Uganda, where anti-corruption protests have led to the arrest of over 100 people. Ugandan demonstrators have taken to the streets to challenge alleged corruption among elected officials.
The government, led by President Yoweri Museveni, has responded with a heavy police and military presence in Kampala, resulting in numerous arrests and clashes despite a ban on protests.
Nigerian mobilisation
Nigeria is also experiencing a surge in youth-led protests. Scheduled to start on Thursday, a nationwide demonstration is planned to address economic issues, including the removal of petrol subsidies and high fuel prices. Nigerian protesters are calling for a reversal of recent economic policies, improved transparency in governance, and reforms in the electoral process.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has emphasised the need for peace and stability to achieve economic prosperity, highlighting the tensions between government officials and the protesting youth.
