The Gen Z protests shaking Africa
A new wave of protest led by Generation Z is disrupting politics and governance on the African continent, particularly countries like Kenya, Togo, Senegal and Morocco
Young people are taking to the streets to demand accountability, economic fairness, and better public services, and their reach now spans multiple countries.
In Kenya, youth-led demonstrations have targeted rising costs of living and perceived government negligence, using social media to amplify grievances. The movement dates back to 2024.
Meanwhile in Senegal, young voters played a decisive role in recent elections, pushing for reform and accountability from a political class long seen as distant from everyday struggles.
In Togo, protests have been overtly youth-led and marked by demands for fair elections and political transparency. Analysts say these movements are distinct for their lack of ties to traditional parties or civil society and reflect growing frustration with entrenched rule.
Across the Mediterranean, Morocco’s “GenZ 212” protests have captured global attention. Young demonstrators are demanding economic justice, educational reform, improved healthcare, and an end to corruption, while criticising the government’s investment in infrastructure for international events over core social services. Clashes have turned deadly in places like Lqliaa, where security forces opened fire on a crowd attempting to storm a gendarmerie post, killing two protesters.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
