What we are seeing in #Kenya (#GenZProtests) and #Uganda (#March2Paliament) is an alternative response to military coups, says Zimbabwean lawyer Douglas Coltart. Instead of embracing military leaders, young people are 'harnessing their agency' to have a real say in how their countries are governed.
"Urbanization is redefining identity politics across Africa ... because of this we can be optimistic about the future of democracy." Very insightful comments from Seth Ouma, a young participant on our recent Space discussing #Kenya's Gen Z Protests. #KenyaProtests #OccupyKenya
"At the end of the day we're fighting for dignity, to have social justice and to enjoy democracy. For me, the struggle has just begun." Activist, Wanjira Wanjiru, who has been at the forefront of #Kenya's Gen Z Protests, speaking on our recent Space about what is motivating the youth. #KenyaProtests #OccupyKenya
On our recent Space, Boniface Mwangi described the many ways in which the ongoing #KenyaProtests are unique. Many protesters were born post-2000 -- these young people are not afraid to ask questions, to challenge institutional authority. "And there is a leader of the movement, it's the Kenyan constitution."
During our recent Twitter Space on #KenyaProtests, activist Nerima Wako talked about how national anger goes much deeper than a Finance Bill. The frustrations driving youth to the streets -- and calls for #RutoMustGo -- are about corruption scandals and officials acting in ways that make citizens feel unimportant.
Today is #YouthDay, which commemorates the 1976 Soweto uprising. In South Africa and beyond, today is a reminder about the dedication and resilience of youth in the face of adversity.
Here, our friend Fumba Chama (AKA Pilato) -- the Permanent Secretary of Youth, Sports and Arts in Zambia -- speaks on #NYD2024's lasting significance.
We had an immensely rich and engaging discussion on our last show, 'How the Opposition Can Win Unfair Elections.' Our colleague Nic Cheeseman drove home the critical point that it's been people on the ground -- from #Zambia to #Ghana, #Gambia and #Senegal -- who protected the vote and secured victory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yIbvbBmF8
In 2022 Mr. Peter Obi energized Nigerian voters, especially the youth, whose energy emerged vividly in the electoral sphere. And though he came up short at the ballot box, the 'Obidient movement' seems here to stay. Here, Oluchi E. lays this all out and more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yIbvbBmF8
In our last show, Hon Nyeko Derrick, a National Unity Platform member of parliament from #Uganda, talked about the vibrancy of the 'People Power, Our Power' movement and how it has attracted scores of youth to their cause who are willing to risk everything for change. Click to watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yIbvbBmF8
The 2021 election in #Zambia, which was won by longtime opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, was unique in many ways. His campaign expertly utilized social media and innovative messaging to ultimately carry the day. Listen here to one of his chief campaign staffers and now policy advisor, Chipokota Mwanawasa. And be sure watch our full show for additional insights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yIbvbBmF8
Last week, Aisha Dabo from Africtivistes spoke to us about lessons from both #Gambia and #Senegal on how the opposition can overcome authoritarian barriers at the polls. Key among them: opposition unity and quickly getting out the real results. Watch the full show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yIbvbBmF8
How the Opposition Can Win Unfair Elections: learning from Senegal and other successes
Given the global decline of democracy over the last twenty years -- in Africa and elsewhere -- it is easy to succumb to defeatism. Yet even in the darkest authoritarian regimes there is democratic light. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, two countries moved towards and have since consolidated their democracy. Coincidentally, they were both in southern Africa: Malawi and Zambia.
Despite the overall gloom, every year seems to deliver democratic victories for the opposition – sometimes entirely unexpected. Senegal is just the latest example of an opposition party that managed to win against all the odds. Senegal, of course, is not alone. Opposition parties were able to win even when they had been outspent, violently repressed, and written off in countries such as The Gambia and Nigeria.
These successes demonstrate that it is sometimes possible to overcome authoritarian forces and produce political change, even when the government is not committed to democracy. This show will explore what strategies and tactics have proved to be the most effective. Together, we will learn how to outmaneuver authoritarian regimes from activists and leaders on the frontlines with a track record of success. Join us!
In our last show, Civilians in the Crossfire, we spoke to Maebel Gebremedhin about the humanitarian crisis in #Ethiopia and the possibility that there could be a complete implosion of the Ethiopian state. Here are some of her insights, and catch up on the full show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXD2Azvnic
Despite the grim statistics and the ongoing brutal conflict in #Sudan, there are 'pockets of optimism,' says expert Kholood Khair. 'The revolutionary zeal has not abated and there is still hope, which is embodied by the Emergency Response Rooms.'
Watch our full recent show-- Civilians in the Crossfire -- here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXD2Azvnic
We extend strength and solidarity to our friend, Tanele Maseko, who is, once again, being unduly harassed, intimidated, and her family re-traumatized by #Eswatini authorities. She has bravely carried on the work of her slain husband, Thulani Maseko, and her security must be safeguarded. #HandsOffTanele
We were fortunate to have award-winning journalist Maryam Nemazee on our recent show. She discussed the roles and responsibilities of media professionals when covering humanitarian crises like the ongoing human tragedy in #Sudan. Watch the full show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXD2Azvnic
World leaders and the media have been mostly preoccupied with, and laser-focused on, crises in Gaza and Ukraine -- yet #Sudan has been and remains the world's largest humanitarian crisis. We were so grateful to have Kholood Khair on our recent show discussing and unpacking this issue. Watch in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXD2Azvnic
What's happening in #Tigray, #Ethiopia isn't new. And for the world to stand by, again, and allow this happen is incredibly disappointing, says Maebel Gebremedhin. "We must hold Abiy Ahmed accountable ... this is the most effective thing to do." Learn much more and watch our complete show here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mXD2Azvnic
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