Across Africa, young people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s have taken to the streets to demand social justice, better services and a louder voice. In Madagascar protests began on September 25 over long-running power cuts and water shortages and soon widened to include corruption, inequality and food insecurity.
On October 12 protesters said the president's life was in danger and he disappeared; he was later reported to have travelled via the French island of Reunion to Dubai. Demonstrations were largely peaceful and organised by social media, but authorities used heavy repression. The United Nations reported 22 people killed; a presidential adviser denied any deaths, a claim protesters rejected.
Protesters pointed to visible wealth in cities, costly projects such as a new football stadium and an expensive cable car, and broad poverty despite new mines and exports. In Morocco mass youth protests began in mid-September after the deaths of eight women in childbirth, with critics highlighting weak healthcare and public spending choices.
Difficult words
- protest — A public demonstration to express disapproval.protests
- justice — Fair treatment or behavior toward people.
- demonstrator — A person participating in a public protest.demonstrators
- corruption — Dishonest or unethical behavior, often by leaders.
- accountability — Responsibility for actions and decisions.
- inequality — Unequal treatment or differences in status.inequalities
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think young people are leading these protests?
- How can movements for social justice change a society?
- What role do former colonial powers have in addressing historical injustices?
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