Young Protesters Spark Change Across Seven Countries

Young people around the globe are driving significant political change, with protests led by Generation Z erupting in seven countries over the past year. These movements reflect a growing dissatisfaction with government performance and a desire for accountability, particularly concerning issues like economic hardship, corruption, and access to basic services.

Protests began in Kenya in early 2024, ignited by a rise in living costs and youth unemployment following new tax increases. In July of the same year, frustration with government policies prompted further demonstrations. Similarly, in Indonesia, young protesters took to the streets against high salaries for parliament members and a substandard school meals program that resulted in widespread food poisoning.

In the Philippines, public outcry emerged in September over the misallocation of flood relief funds. Protests in Nepal led to the burning of the parliament building and the ousting of the government on September 9, while youth in Peru voiced their anger against rising crime and corruption, sparking discussions about governmental reform. Morocco’s “Gen Z 212” movement, named after the country’s international dialing code, criticized the government for prioritizing World Cup preparations over public services. Most recently, in Madagascar, protests over water and electricity shortages led to the president’s exile and a military-led government overhaul.

These uprisings are not isolated occurrences; they are part of a broader trend in which young people are increasingly mobilized to challenge the status quo. Young voters played a crucial role in reshaping political landscapes in various nations, including Botswana, where they helped unseat a long-standing ruling party, and South Africa, where the African National Congress saw its vote share fall below 50% for the first time since the end of apartheid.

Examining the underlying factors of these protests reveals both similarities and differences across the affected nations. According to the Freedom Index, six of the seven countries score above their regional averages in political rights, indicating a relatively higher protection of freedoms such as expression and association. The exception is Peru, which recently dipped below the Latin American and Caribbean average in political rights.

Despite these political freedoms, all seven countries exhibit shortcomings in prosperity metrics, including income, health care, and education. For instance, both Nepal and Madagascar rank higher in political rights but lower in income. This disparity suggests that while young people enjoy certain democratic freedoms, they also experience significant frustrations regarding economic opportunities and quality of life.

A common thread among these nations is their youthful demographics. In each country, the median age is below the global average, and the percentage of the population aged 15 to 24 surpasses the global norm. This youthful population is increasingly aware of their rights and holds expectations for government accountability, creating a potent environment for protest.

The impact of these protests has varied. In Nepal and Madagascar, demonstrations resulted in regime changes, with military-backed interim governments taking control. However, the political influence of the youth leaders who initiated these protests appears to have diminished in the new political landscapes. In Madagascar, for example, young activists expressed discontent over the selection of a career politician to lead the National Assembly.

In Kenya, protests successfully pressured President William Ruto to withdraw a controversial tax bill, yet the systemic changes many demonstrators sought remain unfulfilled. The Moroccan government has committed to increasing spending on health and education in response to protests, but discontent persists among demonstrators.

The long-term outcomes of these youth-led movements remain uncertain. The historical context of the Arab Spring and last year’s revolution in Bangladesh indicates that achieving sustainable democratic reforms is a complex challenge. The current wave of protests reflects not only a moment of discontent but also a burgeoning sense of collective power among young people.

Looking ahead, two pivotal questions arise. First, can these young activists leverage their organizational skills and numbers to foster long-term democratic governance and reduce corruption? The answer to this remains unclear. Second, can patterns in these protests help predict where similar movements may emerge next?

Countries exhibiting characteristics similar to those of the seven nations analyzed may be susceptible to youth-led protests. For instance, Honduras and Côte d’Ivoire have high youth populations and significant gaps in prosperity metrics, making them potential flashpoints for unrest.

In summary, the recent surge of Gen Z protests represents a powerful call for change in various nations, driven by a blend of political aspiration and frustration with existing conditions. While the outcomes of these movements are still unfolding, the potential for widespread youth mobilization is clear. As access to technology and platforms for communication continues to expand, so does the ability of young people to advocate for the changes they seek. The world will be watching as this generation strives to shape their futures.