Sunday August 25, 2024
By Sadik Warfa
Barack Obama once said, 'Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.' These words resonate deeply today, especially as various regions around the world experience revolutions and moments of enlightenment led by the youth. Young people worldwide are increasingly questioning the roles their leaders play in shaping their future, driving an agenda that requires accountability and progress.
This is a wake-up call for the youth in my homeland, Somalia. While we are currently in a stable political position, we have much to learn from the youth movements in Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria and India.These youth have demonstrated the power of collective action, demanding transparency and to be actively involved in the political and developmental processes of their nations.
Youth leadership is not new to Africa; in fact, many African countries owe their independence to the efforts and intellectualism of young leaders. For instance, in Tanzania, Julius Nyerere, referred to as the "Father of the Nation," played a pivotal role in the country’s journey to independence and early development. As a vocal advocate for Tanzania’s then Tanganyika's’ independence from British colonial rule, Nyerere formulated the concept of Ujamaa (African socialism), championed education, and, as the leader of the ruling party TANU, led his country to a peaceful independence. He gained global respect as an anti-colonialist and, during his time in power, ensured that Tanzania remained stable and unified in the decades following independence.
In my homeland, The Somali Youth League (SYL) was key in Somalia’s fight for independence, organizing protests and educating young people about the importance of self-determination. They were actively involved in resistance movements against British, Italian, and Ethiopian authorities, while also educating Somali youth about their history, culture, and the importance of self-determination Their legacy is a powerful reminder for today's youth, who make up over 70% of the population. With 42% between the ages of 14 and 29, it’s crucial to involve them in leadership and decision-making. When young people are left out, they may turn to militias or crime out of frustration. But with the right opportunities in education and jobs, they can become the driving force behind Somalia’s brighter future.
In the last few Months Kenya has witnessed a wave of protests, primarily driven by the youth. Initially the protests were focused on rejecting the 2024 Finance Bill, which sought to increase taxes on various items, further burdening a population already suffering from high inflation and unemployment but it became clear that demonstrations were over a deepening cost of living crisis and lack of Citizen involvement in decision making. The government defended the bill as a necessary measure to pay off the country's staggering debt and promised to seek citizens opinion in crucial decisions, However, the youth, driven by the energy and aspirations of young men and women, believed that corruption and bad governance were the real culprits behind the high cost of living. They demanded that President William Ruto address these issues instead of overtaxing citizens.
Reading from the same story and with a popular resentment for the Nigerian government under whom the youth complained that food prices have tripled, the Youth of Nigeria also took to the streets for 10 days, denouncing high living costs in protests tagged #EndBadGovernance, the country has been under inflation and that was pushed further by the removal of a costly fuel subsidy and a series of currency devaluations. While each protest has been driven by unique factors, they share common threads: growing young populations facing high inflation, a shortage of quality jobs, and a political class that lacks their trust. These youths having gained from technological development and thus better educated than the generations before them, have taken it upon themselves to ask for better leaders and a better system
While not everything from these revolutions should be emulated, there are valuable lessons to be learned. The youth in these countries are increasingly getting involved in politics, not only as voters but also as candidates. They are at the forefront of advocacy, offering valuable insights for other nations aiming to harness the potential of their younger generations.
Lessons from worldwide youth revolutions
By observing and drawing inspiration from the determination and resilience of these youth movements, Somali youth can become key players in driving our nation's growth and development. The achievements of our neighbors and the history of our country serves as a reminder that we, too, have the potential to be the change-makers our country needs. We, the leaders of Somalia should look at these experiences and successes to provide valuable lessons on the importance of involving our younger generations in decision-making, leadership, and development.
Through their use of social media and other digital platforms to educate the citizenry and mobilize quickly and effectively, the youth have shown that leaders can learn not only about inclusion but also how to engage with youth on these platforms, understand their concerns, and include their voices in decision-making processes.
Another key lesson from the youth revolutions is the value of investment in education and skills development. In Bangladesh, young people have taken to the streets to fight for fair job allocation and the cessation of the quota system, which mandated that 30 percent of government job positions be given to descendants of liberation leaders. University students and young professionals viewed this quota as unfair, arguing that jobs and opportunities should be awarded based on merit and education.
The quota issue is just the tip of the iceberg of economic and political discontent in Bangladesh. Among their broader concerns are inflation, a poor job market for university graduates, and widespread corruption. The protests in Bangladesh highlight the crucial role that education plays in empowering youth to challenge systemic issues and demand accountability from their leaders.
Similarly, Kenya's investment in education and vocational training has empowered its youth to contribute meaningfully to various sectors. This empowerment has enabled them to identify the detrimental aspects of the proposed Finance Bill and actively participate in social advocacy, leading to the withdrawal of the bill.
These examples illustrate the importance of equipping youth with the necessary skills and knowledge. An educated and skilled youth population is better positioned to recognize and address societal issues, hold leaders accountable, and drive meaningful change. The experiences in Bangladesh and Kenya demonstrate that investing in education is not just about personal development; it is about fostering a generation capable of advocating for their rights and shaping the future of their nations.
These worldwide revolutions offer valuable lessons not only for the youth of Somalia but also for us as a people. Moving forward, it is crucial to enact policies that lower barriers to political participation for young people. By doing so, we can revitalize the political landscape with fresh ideas and perspectives.
In observing the determination and resilience of youth movements in countries like Bangladesh and Kenya, we see the transformative power that comes when young people are empowered and engaged. Their active participation has led to significant changes, such as the challenge to unfair job allocation systems in Bangladesh and the withdrawal of a detrimental finance bill in Kenya.
For Somalia, these lessons underscore the importance of creating an inclusive political environment where young voices are heard and valued. As a people, we must recognize that the energy and innovative thinking of our youth are essential to our nation's progress. By implementing policies that facilitate their involvement, providing platforms for youth engagement, and ensuring fair representation, we can foster a more dynamic and responsive political system.
Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of young people can further motivate others and highlight the positive impact of youth contributions. Utilizing technology to connect and engage with youth can amplify their voices and facilitate their involvement in governance and development initiatives. Social media and digital platforms are powerful tools for mobilizing and educating the citizenry, offering leaders an opportunity to understand youth concerns and include their voices in decision-making processes.
Investing in education and skills development is another critical step. An educated and skilled youth population is better equipped to identify and address societal challenges, advocate for their rights, and contribute to national development. By prioritizing these areas, we can ensure that our young people are not only prepared to take on leadership roles but are also motivated to do so.
Ultimately, the experiences of youth movements around the world teach us that real change is possible when young people are given the opportunity to participate fully in the political process. It is our responsibility as leaders to create the conditions that allow this participation to thrive, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Mr Sadik Warfa, Consultant in international relations, governance and labor, is a Former Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and also served as Member of Federal Parliament for Mudug Constituency,Somalia.