In recent years, Africa has emerged as a hotbed of grassroots activism and social change. From the bustling streets of Lagos during the #EndSARS movement to the ongoing #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in Accra, the continent is experiencing a profound awakening.
These gatherings are more than mere protests; they signify a collective realisation — a realization that the people of Africa are no longer willing to accept the status quo, be it police brutality, economic mismanagement, or governance issues.
The surge of mass protests in Africa is not an isolated phenomenon but a response to decades, if not centuries, of socio-political and economic challenges.
READ ALSO: A timeline of the #OccupyJulorbiHouse protest in Accra
It’s a call for justice, accountability, and a brighter future.
As we witness these movements unfold, it becomes clear that it’s time to have an open conversation about the awakening of Africa and the pressing issues that fuel it.
#EndSARS: A Catalyst for Change in Nigeria led by the Youth
What made #EndSARS particularly significant was its organic growth and its reliance on social media as a means of mobilization and documentation.
The world watched as Nigerian youth used Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms to share real-time updates, videos, and heartbreaking stories of police brutality.
Celebrities and activists from around the globe rallied behind the movement, amplifying its message and pressuring the Nigerian government to respond.
READ ALSO: What is next after the #ENDSARS Campaign?
#OccupyJulorbiHouse: A Similar Ghanaian Awakening by the Youth
Fast forward to 2023, and Africa’s awakening continues to reverberate, this time in Ghana.
The #OccupyJulorbiHouse movement, centred in the capital city, Accra, is a testament to the continent’s enduring quest for justice and accountability. The protesters, driven by concerns over President Nana Akufo-Addo’s handling of economic challenges, gathered near the Jubilee House, Ghana’s presidential residence.
Yet, what began as a peaceful demonstration soon turned into a confrontation with the authorities. Protesters were arrested, and their voices suppressed. A video circulating on social media captured the uncertainty and disappointment of those detained.
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It was a stark reminder that, even in the face of growing activism, the path to justice remains fraught with obstacles.
These protests demand our attention and reflection. They signify a collective awakening—a realisation that African citizens are not passive observers but active agents of change. In a continent with a rich history of resilience, these movements are more than mere gatherings; they are calls for justice, equality, and good governance.
A Historical Context of Demonstrations and Youth Uprising across West Africa
Africa has endured its share of challenges. Throughout the ages, Africans have exhibited remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. From colonialism to oppressive regimes and economic struggles, the spirit of resistance has always flickered in the hearts of its people.
Recent protests in Africa, such as #EndSARS, #FixTheCountry and #OccupyJulorbiHouse, find their roots in this enduring legacy of resistance. They aren’t isolated events but part of an ongoing narrative that stretches back through decades and centuries. As we dissect these contemporary movements, we must also draw inspiration from the past.
A political marketing strategist, Chris Atadika, emphasized that African politics has faced its share of challenges in recent decades. These challenges include coups and dynastic politics, where presidential positions often become family affairs, making it difficult for fresh leadership. He pointed out that these dynamics have persisted under the label of democracy.
What is Driving the Protests?
The driving forces behind these protests are as diverse as the continent itself. Yet, there’s a unifying thread that weaves through the grievances of African citizens. Police brutality, economic mismanagement, and governance issues are recurring themes that unite protesters from Lagos to Accra.
In Ghana, the #OccupyJulorbiHouse movement was sparked by concerns over President Nana Akufo-Addo’s handling of economic challenges. The people of Ghana, like many Africans, are grappling with rising living costs, unemployment, and economic instability. The movement signifies a collective demand for better economic prospects and accountability.
The Role of Social Media: Amplifying the Movement
Social media has emerged as a potent force in shaping these contemporary protests. The digital realm, once seen as a distant universe, now serves as the epicentre of mobilization and awareness.
Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have allowed activists to transcend borders, bringing global attention to local issues.
The impact of social media is twofold. It not only enables the rapid organization of protests but also amplifies their reach. The world watched as #EndSARS gained momentum, with international celebrities and activists standing in solidarity. Likewise, #OccupyJulorbiHouse’s presence on social media platforms is extending its influence far beyond Ghana’s borders.
According to Social media activist, Kweku Quainoo, “Social media has been and promises to be an even bigger and helpful tool in activism. The future is exciting because we get to control the narrative, create awareness and educate a larger audience, amplify our voices, mobilize personnel and crowdfund activities while maintaining the pressure on the government to do better. Hitherto doing all of these would be laborious and time-consuming, now social media makes the coordination of such less draining.”
How does the global conversation connect to Africa’s protest movements
The impact of Africa’s recent protest movements, #EndSARS and #OccupyJulorbiHouse, extends far beyond the borders of the continent. These movements, fuelled by social media, have transcended geographical constraints, becoming global conversations about justice, equity, and the future of Africa.
In the age of digital connectivity, it takes only seconds for a compelling story or a heart-wrenching video to cross the globe.
As #EndSARS gained momentum in Nigeria, the world watched in real-time. International celebrities, activists, and ordinary individuals voiced their support on social media platforms. The movement transformed from a local grievance to a global cause, one that resonated with anyone who had experienced injustice or sought a fairer world. Likewise, #OccupyJulorbiHouse in Ghana has leveraged the power of social media to broadcast its message.
The movement has garnered attention and solidarity from across Africa and around the world. It’s a testament to the interconnectedness of our modern world, where an injustice in one corner of the globe can stir the collective conscience of humanity.
A Call to Conversations
These protest movements aren’t just about venting frustrations; they’re calls to conversations. They demand that we engage with the issues that millions of Africans face daily. From police brutality to economic hardship, these are not localised problems but global challenges that require collective solutions. As we witness this awakening of Africa, it’s crucial that we do not remain passive observers.
The conversation about justice, equity, and the future of the continent is one that concerns us all. It’s a call for change and accountability, not only from African governments but from the international community.
Regarding the future of African politics, Chris Atadika sees a positive shift. He believes that the active involvement of youth, coupled with the use of social media as a vital tool for activism, is a step in the right direction. This signifies a departure from the traditional notion that only older individuals can hold political roles. He emphasised the potency of social media as a tool for mobilization and message dissemination, highlighting its potential to bring about positive change.