Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – The President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, has cautioned African leaders to take seriously the rising tide of Gen Z–led protests across the continent, warning that the combination of youthful frustration, social media activism, and poor governance presents a volatile mix that could trigger widespread unrest.
Speaking at the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul, President Charumbira said the recent youth-led uprising in Madagascar should serve as a wake-up call for the continent’s political class.
“The sobering question for us as we gather here today should be whether what happened in Madagascar can potentially be repeated elsewhere on the continent,” he told delegates.
“If we are to be realistic in responding to this question, we must admit that Africa is ripe for the picking.”
He explained that Gen Z protests have two defining features: they are led by disillusioned young people who have lost faith in their governments, and they are organised through social media—where Africa’s youth are most active.
With the continent hosting the world’s youngest population, Charumbira said Africa remains “fertile ground” for such movements.
The PAP president expressed concern that despite the African Union’s commitment to “silence the guns,” conflicts continue to escalate across the continent.
He said the ACHPR’s 85th Session, held from 21 to 30 October 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, provides an opportunity for reflection and dialogue on how to better safeguard human rights and prevent further instability.
Charumbira noted that the latest military takeover in Madagascar, which followed youth-led demonstrations that forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee, mirrors similar developments in other regions.
He cited examples from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, where Gen Z protests have toppled governments in recent years.
“In North Africa, young Moroccans have coalesced under the banner of the ‘GenZ 212’ movement, criticizing government spending priorities,” he said. “Examples abound of the Gen Z protests, including in Kenya and Uganda.”
Quoting data from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Charumbira highlighted that around 60% of Africa’s population is under 25 years old, a demographic expected to grow by 180% by the end of the century, even as youth populations decline elsewhere in the world.
He warned that this “youth explosion” is not matched by corresponding economic growth or job creation.
“In South Africa, for example, 55% of young people are jobless,” he said. “By 2030, 30 million youth are expected to enter Africa’s labour market each year, but only 3 million jobs are currently being created.”
Charumbira stressed that the growing sense of exclusion among young Africans is both a human rights and development issue. He urged continental bodies, including the ACHPR, to ensure that Africa’s human rights architecture remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of youth and women.
“If we do not resolve these challenges, we will not solve the human rights and developmental issues affecting Africa,” he said.
