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- Convenor:
-
Alice Karuri
(Strathmore University)
Send message to Convenor
- Chair:
-
Kamau Wairuri
(Edinburgh Napier University)
- Format:
- Paper panel
- Stream:
- Youth movements, education and urban informality
- Location:
- CB3.1
- Sessions:
- Wednesday 25 June, -, -
Time zone: Europe/London
Short Abstract:
This panel seeks papers exploring the intersection of youth, digital technology, and protest movements in Africa, focusing on issues such as the historical roots of youth-led protests, the impact of digital media, and state responses. Both academic and experiential papers are welcome.
Description:
In recent decades, the African continent has witnessed a surge of youth-led protest movements that have garnered global attention and catalysed significant economic, social and political transformation.
From the Arab Spring uprisings in North Africa, to #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, the #ENDSARS protests in Nigeria and the GenZ protests in Kenya, young Africans have emerged as formidable agents of social and political change using their voice, energy and digital proficiency. Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, Sudan, Burundi and DRC have also experienced waves of youth protests (Maganga, T., 2020).
These protests have emerged as a potent force for change, often fueled by an interplay of factors such as economic disparities, political disenfranchisement and social upheaval.
The proliferation of digital technologies and social media has enabled young Africans to amplify their voices, coordinate their actions, and mobilize support for their causes.
This panel invites papers that interrogate the intersection between youth, digital technology and protests movements. Particular areas of interest are: the historical underpinnings of youth-driven protests and unrest in Africa including colonization and global environmentalism; the role of digital media in fueling protests; how protest movements have changed traditional media; data and digital rights in the context of protests including digital surveillance and data privacy; and state response to protests.
Submissions are open to both academic and experiential papers.
Maganga, Tafadzwa. August 20, 2020. Youth Demonstrations and Their Impact on Political Change and Development in Africa. ACCORD. https://www.accord.org.za/conflict-trends/youth-demonstrations-and-their-impact-on-political-change-and-development-in-africa/
Accepted papers:
Session 1 Wednesday 25 June, 2025, -Paper short abstract:
This paper seeks to unpack the impact that identity, through echo-chambers on social media platforms, have on the ability of youth groups to mobilize and succeed in carrying out protest movements in Africa. It will focus on the #EndSARS (2020) and #EndBadGovernance (2024) protests in Nigeria.
Paper long abstract:
Identity has long been used to weaken the unity of purpose with which groups have sought to hold governments to account. Ruling coalitions have often used the narrative that opposition-backed protests have been attempts to dislodge their ‘turn’ in power, which has often coloured even organic protests through an ethnic or tribal lens.
Nigeria’s protest history, since the return to democracy in 1999, has historically been effective. Examples include the 2011 Occupy Nigeria protests leading to the reinstatement of the fuel subsidy and the 2014 Bring Back Our Girls protests leading to a focus on security that eventually led to the defeat of an incumbent government in the 2015 elections. But recent movements, such as 2020’s #EndSARS movement and the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests have seen mixed results despite relatively mass support. While both differ in terms of the simplicity of their demands – EndSARS seeking the cessation of a special police unit and EndBadGovernance being vaguer around government policies – the identity of the presidents during these protests appear to have played a role in colouring how they were perceived and effective follow through.
This paper seeks to review how effective or impactful identity is, or has been, in shaping digital-driven protests in Nigeria, how this has affected recent protest outcomes and what this could mean for the future of such protest movements in Nigeria.
Paper short abstract:
In Ethiopia, amid a period of ethnic conflict and political polarisation, young people are using online spaces to share information and mobilise against the state. This paper explores diverse Ethiopian young people’s online participation and the implications for political trust and social inclusion.
Paper long abstract:
Amidst growing polarisation and public distrust within global and national politics, young people’s political participation is increasingly framed as key to the creation of socially just futures. Online spaces such as social media are recognised as central to young people’s civic and political life in many countries, with online political participation positively correlated with other modes of participation and reflective of a growing ‘participatory culture’ amongst young people. In Ethiopia, amid escalating ethnic violence and political tensions since 2017, young people’s physical participation in protest and mobilisation has ebbed and flowed, but social media has been consistently central in their information sharing and mobilising support. Yet while online spaces can widen the accessibility of information and opportunities for learning and exchange, they can also facilitate the spread of misinformation, thus deepening polarisation and exacerbating conflict and political distrust.
Drawing on findings from longitudinal mixed-methods research with young people in Ethiopia undertaken as part of the Gender and Adolescence: Global Evidence (GAGE) programme, this paper reflects upon the evolving relationship between young people’s participation in online spaces and their ‘offline’ political and civic engagement during conflict and political upheaval in different regions. We explore gender, regional and rural-urban differences in how young people engage with off- and online spaces, and the consequences of these differences for political trust, social inclusion and social justice. We discuss the implications of these findings for equitable and inclusive development.
Paper short abstract:
To explore social media's impact on African youth activism, focusing on identity formation, mobilization, and citizen journalism. Assess how social media platforms empower activism, challenge traditional media, and amplify hashtag movements (algorithms), in contemporary African protest narratives.
Paper long abstract:
Social media has empowered African youth and vulnerable communities to negotiate their future with perceived threats to their wellbeing (Suraj, 2024). This research looks at the impactful role of social media in African protest movements, focusing youth identity development, mobilization, and the rise of citizen journalism. It investigates how protesters may plan demonstrations, get around established gatekeepers, and make their opinions heard by using social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and ‘X’-Twitter. The study explores the link between youth participation in protests and the development of shared identity rooted in democratic ideals and social justice (Keith, 2023).
This research analyzes the evolving role of traditional media in reaction to social media dominance, with citizen journalism emerging as a counter-narrative to traditional media's role. In particular, a keen look at how mainstream media respond to content generated by citizens and discussions about protests. Through citizen journalism, it also explores the disputed narratives between protesters and state authorities, looking at how social media shape public opinion and conversations about accountability and governance. Moreover, the study examines how social media algorithms affect the visibility of content related to protests, exploring how hashtag movements influence mobilization attempts and how they amplify or suppress them (Michael Etter, 2020).
This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the digital frontlines in the struggle for democratic change and social accountability in Africa. It provides insights on the complex dynamics of protest movements in the digital age, and the intersection of emerging technology, activism, and media.
Paper short abstract:
Nigerian youth used social media to organize the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024, demonstrating the transformative power of digital platforms in fostering activism and uniting diverse supporters. Despite facing challenges like government restrictions, misinformation, and cyber harassment.
Paper long abstract:
In August 2024, Nigerian youth leveraged social media to organize the #EndBadGovernance protests, showcasing the transformative potential of digital platforms in fostering activism and uniting diverse supporters around shared goals. This paper examines the credibility of social media in building grassroots movements, amplifying marginalized voices, and advocating for economic equality while confronting institutional corruption and systemic government failures. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram played pivotal roles in scheduling demonstrations, fostering solidarity, and creating universal support for the cause. Despite its advantages, social media activism faced significant challenges, including government-imposed internet restrictions, digital tracking, and platform exploitation to stifle dissent. The movement encountered additional obstacles such as misinformation, cyber harassment, and the state’s manipulation of digital platforms. However, the #EndBadGovernance hashtag, alongside related tags, became a powerful symbol of public resistance, enabling protesters to bypass mainstream media censorship and maintain direct, transparent communication with the public. This research highlights the resilience and ingenuity of young Nigerian activists, who used digital tools to drive progress in the face of adversity, underscoring social media’s role as a catalyst for democratic engagement within authoritarian contexts. By analyzing both the strengths and vulnerabilities of digital activism, the study offers actionable strategies for enhancing its effectiveness, mitigating risks, and fostering lasting civic engagement. Ultimately, this work provides valuable insights for scholars, policymakers, and activists, illustrating how digital platforms can be harnessed to advance social change, strengthen governance, and create sustainable connections between youth activism and political processes.
Paper short abstract:
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), created in 1992 to fight violent crime, became notorious for human rights abuses and torture. The #EndSARS campaign, launched in 2017, gained momentum in October 2020, calling for an end to police brutality, justice for victims, and police reforms in Nigeria.
Paper long abstract:
The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was established in 1992 as a unit within the Nigerian police to address violent crimes such as robbery and kidnapping. Unfortunately, it became notorious for human rights violations, including unlawful arrests, extrajudicial killings, extortion, torture, and sexual abuse. In late 2017, Nigerian human rights activists initiated the #EndSARS campaign to raise awareness about these abuses and advocate for good governance, an end to police brutality, and broader social justice reforms. The movement gained momentum on October 8, 2020, when nationwide protests erupted following widespread outrage over videos documenting police misconduct. Led primarily by young Nigerians, the protests called for an end to SARS and better treatment from law enforcement. This study aims to assess the progress of the #EndSARS movement within the context of Nigeria’s fragile political environment, characterized by conflict and violence. It will evaluate both the successes and challenges faced by the movement, with particular focus on the controversial Lekki Toll Gate incident. Using content analysis of existing literature, media reports, and online materials, this research explores the movement's impact and the societal unity it fostered despite Nigeria’s diverse and often divisive social landscape. This paper calls for the Nigerian government to take responsibility for the Lekki shooting, ensure justice for the victims, and protect citizens' constitutional rights. Furthermore, it advocates for comprehensive police reforms to prevent future abuses and ensure accountability within the force.
Paper short abstract:
A discussion on how digital platforms were used by Kenyan youth in the Gen Z protests of 2024 and the implication on traditional media.
Paper long abstract:
This paper examines the role of digital media platforms in shaping Kenya’s Gen Z protests of June 2024, arguing that the interconnectedness of Kenyan youth through social media has transformed political protests and the dissemination of information. Historically, traditional media served as the primary source of news and information. However, in the 2024 protests, there was extensive use of digital platforms such as X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Signal, TikTok, and Instagram. These platforms not only facilitated rapid mobilisation and coordination of the protests among the young protesters, but they also bypassed traditional media gatekeepers, amplifying the youth's voices.
The paper also explores how digital media has emerged as a powerful tool of expression in modern African society. It highlights the nature of digital platforms as spaces of free speech and expression, enabling youth political participation and the democratization of news and information—while also exposing the shortcomings of traditional media.
By analysing the role of digital media and its implications for traditional media during the 2024 Gen Z protests, this study chimes in on current conversations about the role of technology in the political context. It argues that the 2024 Gen Z Protests signal a new era for political engagement in Kenya, highlighting how chronically underserved groups, particularly Kenyan youth, are using digital media to express their views and challenge the political class.
Paper short abstract:
The context of the Kenyan protests, highlighting KEY areas of contention in the Finance Bill 2024, the creativity and innovation in using social media, outcomes of the protests, the lessons learnt thus far and thoughts on cultivating hope amidst the uprising of active citizenship among Kenyans.
Paper long abstract:
June 2024 was a turning point for all Kenyans. The rise of protests, initiated by the young generation, alias ‘GenZ’, was sparked by the controversial Finance Bill 2024 which faced massive rejection by the populace. The Bill sought to increase government revenues through over-taxation of basic commodities such as bread and milk.
Unprecedentedly, to counter it, the Kenyan youth turned to social media to raise awareness using #RejectFinanceBill2024 to amplify the message. Through Instagram, X and Tiktok, the youth coordinated the protests by sharing information in different forms to communicate key details of the protests. Additionally, various professionals including doctors and advocates provided pro-bono services to all the protesting youth, solidifying the unity embodied that ousted any prejudices such as those of tribe serving as a breath of fresh air in our country whose past is tainted by a hostility and violence rooted in tribal politics.
Today, the Kenyan youth are using social media innovatively by creating a database for missing persons, in capturing the atrocities committed by the current government, customisation of GPTs to highlight corruption in Kenyan counties, automation in public participation fora, and in content creation, as they continue to agitate for good governance. The use of hashtags, posters, X spaces and Tiktok challenges are some of the ways in which the protests are being conducted. Presently, the possibility of Starlink penetrating the Kenyan telecommunications market presents an opportunity for increased accessibility to information and security- both data and personal. The fight for a better Kenya continues.
Paper short abstract:
Ranging from going into the streets to using music, youth protests in various ways. This paper interrogates music in Nigeria by analysing the works of Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz) as forms of rhythmic opposition and youth protest.
Paper long abstract:
Music serves two main functions in politics: (a) to support those in power (i.e. "solidarity melodies"), and (b) to protest against those in power (i.e. "rhythmic oppositions"). While youths are crucial in both renditions, this paper focuses on rhythmic opposition that not only offers youths a platform to challenge those in government in a perpetual manner - as music can outlive the musician and what s/he sings about - but also to frame, emphasis and project aspects of governance that is considered a malaise by the singer. Yet, even when youth go to the street in protest, they are accompanied by (such) music or a melodious chanting. Thus, rhythmic opposition serves as both a temporary and permanent forms of youth protest against power. Using the example of the works of Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz) located within a Nigerian context, this paper analyses the extent to which music serves as a potent form of youth protest. By highlighting and analysing Falz's "This is Nigeria" and "Yakubu" (where he featured Olanrewaju Ogunmefun whose stage name is Vector), which have not only been democratised but made available on digital platforms, the paper will demonstrate how musical renditions can function as a tool for reimagining the tropes, concerns, and outcomes of youth protests in a multiethnic country like Nigeria. The paper is an aspect of a broader study of music in contemporary Nigeria and Ghana.