A Summer of Discontent: Africa’s Youth Rise Against Corruption and Hardship

Kenya: A Taxing Trigger for Protests

In Kenya, the summer of 2023 has been marked by widespread unrest, particularly among the younger generation. The catalyst for the protests was an unpopular tax bill introduced by President William Ruto’s government, which sought to increase taxes and further burden an already strained population. Gen Z, in particular, took to the streets, engaging in six weeks of demonstrations. The situation turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 people.

Faced with mounting pressure, President Ruto was forced to retract the bill and reshuffle his cabinet. However, the protests have not subsided, as young Kenyans continue to voice their frustration over corruption and police brutality within the government. Calls for Ruto’s resignation have grown louder, reflecting a deep distrust in the current administration.

Kenya, East Africa’s economic powerhouse, is grappling with soaring living costs, particularly in food and commodities. The country’s youth unemployment rate remains alarmingly high, and the nation is weighed down by massive foreign and domestic debts, with a significant portion of its revenue dedicated to repaying creditors. These factors have created a perfect storm of discontent among the younger population, who see little hope for their future under the current leadership.

Uganda: A Familiar Story of Corruption and Crackdown

The wave of protests quickly spilled over into neighboring Uganda, where citizens attempted to march on the parliament in Kampala on July 23 and 25. The demonstrations were met with a heavy-handed response from security forces, who detained over 100 people, according to police reports.

At the heart of the protests is widespread frustration over government corruption, which is estimated to cost Uganda a staggering Sh. 10 trillion ($2.7 billion) annually, according to the Inspectorate of Government (IG). Radio host Faiza Fabz, who participated in the protests, described the demonstrations as an "opportunity to change the course of our nation" and force leaders to listen to the demands of the people.

Among the key demands are calls for the lifestyle audits of members of parliament and the resignation of lawmakers implicated in corruption scandals. However, President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, dismissed the protests as "playing with fire" and accused demonstrators of being funded by foreign sources. His government’s response has been characteristic of its authoritarian style, with security forces cracking down on dissent.

Despite Uganda’s recent economic growth, driven by an oil-related construction boom and agricultural expansion, corruption remains endemic. The country scored a mere 26 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index last year, highlighting the deep-seated graft that continues to undermine governance.

Nigeria: A Nation on the Brink of Protest

In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, young people are preparing for an "end bad governance" march on August 1. The planned protests are a response to the country’s spiraling economic crisis, with inflation soaring to over 34%, its highest level in nearly 30 years. This has created one of the nation’s worst cost-of-living crises in recent memory.

Unemployment rates are also on the rise, and the country’s security challenges, including a surge in kidnappings for ransom, have further fueled public frustration. The demonstrators are demanding sweeping reforms, including reductions in the cost of living, improved security, and electoral and judicial overhauls.

Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong captured the mood of the nation when he stated, "People are tired, people are hungry…. Why does the president have to wait till the 1st of August? He can start this moment to effect the changes that people are asking for."

However, the government’s response has been cautious, with President Bola Tinubu urging calm and warning that the protests could "degenerate into violence and set the country backwards." His claims that the demonstrations are being instigated by citizens with dual nationality have only added to the tensions.

The memories of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which ended in bloodshed when security forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators, loom large. The Nigerian military has warned that it will not allow "anarchy" to take hold, drawing parallels to the violent unrest in Kenya.

Expert Insights: A Continent at a Crossroads

The unfolding protests across Africa have drawn the attention of experts, who warn that the continent’s youth uprisings are a wake-up call for leaders. Gift Mugano, an economics professor at South Africa’s Durban University of Technology, describes the protests as "a reality check for African leaders."

Mugano notes that the momentum of the Kenyan Gen Z movement is inspiring similar actions in other countries, creating a "protest contagion" effect. He emphasizes that without economic opportunities, improved governance, and a commitment to the rule of law, stability across the continent will remain elusive.

Senegalese political analyst Mamadou Thior echoes this sentiment, pointing to the growing discontent among Africa’s youth. "Young people are impatient, and they want things to change at a very rapid pace," he said. Thior highlights the role of social media in connecting activists across borders, enabling the spread of protest movements from Kenya to Uganda and beyond.

The unrest is not limited to East Africa. In recent months, youth-led uprisings have erupted in countries such as Senegal and Ghana, where protesters have demanded action on economic hardships, unemployment, and political reforms.

Senegal and Ghana: Echoes of Discontent

In Senegal, protests broke out in February after former President Macky Sall announced a delay in scheduled elections. The demonstrations turned deadly, with at least three protesters killed before Sall backtracked under pressure. The ruling coincided with the release of political detainees, including current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was freed just days before the election.

Meanwhile, in Ghana, anti-government protests have been fueled by economic hardship and unemployment. The country’s youth have taken to the streets to demand action on the spiraling cost of living and the perceived failure of the government to address their grievances.

A Call to Action for African Leaders

The protests sweeping across Africa are more than just isolated incidents of civil unrest; they represent a broader movement for change. The continent’s youth are united in their demands for an end to corruption, improved governance, and economic opportunities.

As former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo warned, Africa is "sitting on a keg of gunpowder." With unemployment, hopelessness, and frustration rampant among the youth, the continent teeters on the brink of chaos. Obasanjo’s words serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for leaders to address the grievances of their young populations.

The protests in Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana are a testament to the power of Africa’s youth to demand change. Whether through peaceful demonstrations or social media campaigns, young people are making their voices heard. The question now is whether their leaders will listen.

As the summer of discontent continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the status quo is no longer acceptable. For Africa’s leaders, the time to act is now.