By Adonis Byemelwa
In
a rapidly shifting global landscape, youth-led protests known as ‘Gen Z
protests’ have captured the attention of Tanzanian observers. The Tanzanian
government and the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) are watching closely as
these protests unfold, driven by widespread discontent over issues like runaway
inflation, corruption, mass unemployment, and nepotism.
Across
various countries, the responses to these protests have varied dramatically. In
Uganda and Nigeria, governments have responded with heavy-handed tactics to
suppress the uprisings.
Conversely,
in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the protests have been so impactful that they
forced leaders to flee the country. In Kenya, persistent demonstrations
compelled President William Ruto to withdraw an unpopular finance bill and
dissolve his cabinet.
In
Tanzania, the reactions to these global protests are mixed. Some citizens
express despair, doubting the possibility of such movements gaining traction in
their country due to past failures. Others maintain caution, acknowledging that
similar grievances exist among Tanzanian youth, making future protests
plausible.
President
Samia Suluhu Hassan recently addressed the issue while speaking to sugar
factory owners on August 3, 2024. She acknowledged that food scarcity and high
prices could spark unrest among Tanzanian youth.
“They
say food is politics,” she said. “When there’s no food here [in Tanzania], Gen
Z will not stay calm; it will take to the streets. Or if you allow the
kilogramme of sugar to reach Sh9,000, [youth] won’t stay calm; no, they won’t.”
Observers
speculate whether the administration is quietly taking measures to prevent such
protests. Some believe that President Samia’s decision to fire Nape Nnauye from
her cabinet, following his controversial remarks on election rigging, was a
strategic move to avoid provoking unrest.
This
marked President Samia’s first comment on the Gen Z protests. Her remarks come
amid efforts by ruling party officials, government-linked activists, and
influencers to downplay youth-led demonstrations worldwide, possibly to deter
Tanzanian youth from following suit. On June 24, 2024, CCM’s secretary for
publicity and ideology, Amos Makalla, remarked on Clouds FM that the party is
keenly observing the protests in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of
maintaining peace and stability in Tanzania.
Opposition
parties in Tanzania have voiced concerns about the youth’s reluctance to
protest. CHADEMA national chairperson Freeman Mbowe has repeatedly expressed
disappointment over the perceived passivity of Tanzanian youth.
In rallies across the country, he has urged
the youth to actively engage in shaping their nation’s future. “Tanzanian youth
face so many problems that they’ve become too numb to do anything,” Mbowe
lamented during a rally in Haydom, Manyara, on June 27, 2024.
ACT-Wazalendo has also issued warnings, highlighting youth unemployment and the mistreatment of small traders as potential catalysts for unrest. Party leader Dorothy Semu, speaking in Singida on July 26, 2024, cautioned that the government’s failure to address these issues threatens national stability.
Former ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe echoed
this sentiment, stating, “Given how big the issue of unemployment is in
Tanzania, let’s not fool ourselves that we’re immune to Gen Z protests.”
Signs
of rising discontent are already emerging. On August 5, 2024, a group of youth
in Dar es Salaam announced nationwide protests to oppose economic hardship and
forced disappearances. Deusdedit Soka, the group’s leader, declared their
intent to compel authorities to address these pressing issues.
Dr.
Ananilea Nkya, a veteran of Tanzania’s social and political movements, warned
against dismissing the potential for youth-led protests, describing the
situation as “volatile.” She emphasized the need for public accountability and
constitutional changes to mitigate unrest.
Political
analyst Mussa Lugete shared a similar outlook, noting that the issues driving
protests elsewhere are also present in Tanzania. He stressed the importance of
just and equitable distribution of national resources to prevent unrest. “We
have to crack down on corruption and mismanagement,” Lugete stated. “Without
that, you cannot guarantee that all your people benefit from the national
cake.”
The
Nigerian protests offer a stark example of the intensity and desperation
driving these movements. Youths in Nigeria have taken to the streets in
response to severe hunger and economic hardship.
The
situation in Nigeria underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of
discontent to prevent similar unrest from spilling over into Tanzania.
The
parallels between the challenges faced by Nigerian and Tanzanian youth are
striking, particularly in the context of high unemployment and perceived
governmental neglect.
The
Tanzanian government's response so far has been one of cautious observation and
strategic maneuvering. While President Samia's public comments reflect an
awareness of the underlying issues, it remains to be seen whether substantial
policy changes will follow, according to John Kahererezi a retired accountant
based in Sinza Mawasiliano.
The
dismissal of Nape Nnauye may be indicative of a broader strategy to maintain
stability by avoiding actions that could exacerbate tensions.
Meanwhile,
the ruling party's efforts to downplay the significance of global youth
protests appear aimed at preventing the spark of similar movements within
Tanzania. However, the growing frustration among the youth, as evidenced by the
recent press conference announcing planned protests, suggests that these
efforts may not be enough.
Freeman
Mbowe's vocal criticism of the youth's passivity highlights a broader
frustration within the opposition regarding the lack of direct action against
the government. His calls for the youth to become more active in shaping their
country's future resonate with the sentiments of many who feel that the current
government has not adequately addressed their needs.
ACT-Wazalendo's
warnings about the "time bomb" of youth unemployment and the
mistreatment of small traders further underscore the potential for unrest. The
party's leaders have been vocal about the need for significant policy shifts to
address these issues, emphasizing that failure to do so could lead to
widespread protests.
The
recent announcement of nationwide protests by youth groups is a critical
development. It signals a growing willingness among Tanzanian youth to
challenge the status quo and demand change. The economic hardships and reports
of forced disappearances have created a sense of urgency that is driving this
movement.
Dr.
Ananilea Nkya's comments about the volatility of the situation and the need for
public accountability highlight the broader structural issues that need to be
addressed to prevent unrest. Her emphasis on constitutional changes reflects a
long-term vision for creating a more stable and accountable government.
Political
analyst Mussa Lugete's insights into the importance of equitable resource
distribution and cracking down on corruption offer a practical framework for
addressing the underlying causes of discontent. His analysis suggests that
without significant reforms, the risk of unrest remains high.
As
the global wave of Gen Z protests continues to unfold, the Tanzanian government
and its people are left to ponder their potential for upheaval amidst
unresolved grievances and simmering discontent. The parallels with Nigeria's
hunger protests are a stark reminder of the urgency required to address these
issues. Without meaningful action, the prospect of Tanzanian youth taking to
the streets becomes increasingly likely.