The Kenyan Gen Z Demonstrations

 

Kenyan youth are going to demonstrations to voice their frustration with the government. The source of contention related to police brutality, increases in taxes, and dissatisfaction with President William Ruto. The demonstrations are spreading throughout Kenya. Much of the discontent is also expressed on social media platforms. Not only is it used as an organizing tool, but increasing awareness of issues in Kenyan politics. Generation Z is feeling the strain of economic hardship. The youth are experiencing a high rate of unemployment in Kenya. Combined with the increase in the cost of living, this added to the  discord. President William Ruto is becoming the main focus, not just the government in general. Growing protests show that his administration is in a precarious position. The finance bill has sparked public rage that will not be placated. What Kenya needs is to expand sectors of the economy and increase the quality of education. Getting assistance from the African Union and securing trade agreements with multiple countries can be long term solutions. Law enforcement needs complete reform. The use of tear gas, water cannons, and in some cases live ammunition are clear violations of human rights. The Gen Z protests would not happen if the youth knew change could happen with their vote. The behavior of the police is a unsettling reminder of the colonial past. Considering the influence of the IMF some believe it never disappeared. President William Ruto is now being accused of authoritarian rule. The press is also under pressure in Kenya. Kenya major media networks KNT and NTV are under certain restrictions. Internet services were deliberately slowed down. More restrictions are going to motivate the youth to continue demonstrations. The Gen Z movement could be a turning point in Kenya's political system. 

South Korea's Political Instability

 

South Korea is experiencing political instability. President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to institute martial law. This caused alarm and concern among the South Korean public. For six hours the country was in turmoil with the army being mobilized. Soldiers blocked protesters from entering the National Assembly building. The decision was reversed after much objection. President Yoon Suk Yeol did this only because his own political party did not approve of declaring martial law. The People's Power Party is trying to distance themselves from a president that is becoming unpopular. The conservative government has been in power since 2022 and discord among the public has grown. President Yoon Suk Yeol accused the political opposition of obstruction and collaborating with North Korea. No evidence has been presented to show that other political parties are working with North Korea. Law makers then responded by introducing legislation to nullify the martial law declaration. The Defense Ministry rejected this and said it would only follow the orders of President Yeol. Martial law was last declared in 1980. The fear is the return to an authoritarian system. The Yeol administration has accumulated a number of scandals and controversies. The declaration of martial law was a way to undermine the South Korean Democratic Party. President Yoon Suk Yeol could face impeachment and other criminal charges. A South Korean constitutional crisis could be the result of his resistance to the rule of law. As demonstrations increase the chances of Yoon Suk Yeol getting re-elected are reduced.   

The Increase of Protests Across Africa

 

The African continent is seeing a wave of public discord. A number of demonstrations have occurred related to the cost of living and low wages. This is another example of how IMF and World Bank policies have never been helpful to African nations. What induced this new wave of protests was the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath. The pandemic did not just cause devastation to public health; the economy suffered. Business closed, unemployment increased, and inflation put a strain on the public. South Africa and Morocco saw the most protests in the five year span. The frustration has gotten so intense it has escalated into riots. The data reveals a total of  5,039 demonstrations related to economic inequality. Most of the protests were peaceful, but it was recorded that 13% erupted in violence. Food security is directly linked to some of the protests. Inflation directly effects food prices, which becomes a dire concern. Sudan's protests have multiple causes related to the military government , civil war, and authoritarian oppression. Tunisia's economy has not recovered from the rule of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Nigeria squanders its oil wealth and the DRC is fighting another M23 rebel insurrection. Africa is rich in resources, but corrupt governments and foreign interventions are undermining economic development. Algeria, Uganda, and Kenya also share the same issue of a cost of living crisis. This is not unique to Africa. The cost of living crisis is spreading. Africa is just experiencing it earlier. The ramifications of a cost of living crisis means political  instability.   

Hillary Clinton Disparages Student Protesters

 

Hillary Clinton has expressed her distain for student protesters. Across the country university students are voicing their discontent with US support for Israel's war on Gaza. Appearing on MSNBC the former Secretary of State asserted the students did not understand history of the Middle East. The commentary was condescending and represents the arrogance of the foreign policy establishment. To call all student protesters uninformed is an insult to the universities they attend. Her attitude is common of the baby boomer generation and political centrist who do not acknowledge other perspectives. Most Americans understand that Israel was built up as an outpost to enforce US foreign policy in West Asia. Regime change in the Middle East and North Africa has resulted in the current instability. Arming terrorist organizations in Syria, invading Iraq, and bombing Libya caused a refugee crisis. Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State was involved in the coup in Honduras, the strikes in Syria, and the removal of Qaddafi in Libya. Her actions  can best be described as war crimes. Prior to these statements, Clinton offered to help the Biden campaign. Based on her comments, President Biden should distance herself from Hillary Clinton. The polls show that President Biden is struggling with the youth vote. Antagonizing university students makes reelection more difficult. Hillary Clinton ignores the fact that the William Jefferson Clinton administration failed to obtain a peace settlement. The 2000 Camp David Summit did not produce any meaningful results.  The Jimmy Carter administration was able to produce a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. Since 1978 the Camp David Accords have held, but the future is looking less certain. Hillary Clinton's statements do not only reflect ignorance, but a disdain for those who have concerns regarding human rights in Palestine.   

Jill Stein Was Arrested For Anti-War Protest

 

Jill Stein was arrested at a protest in support of the Palestinian people. She is the only presidential candidate to be arrested during the US  presidential campaign  in 2024. A number of college campuses are holding anti-war demonstrations across the United States. Jill Stein was participating in a demonstration at Washington University. Located in St. Louis Missouri, few parts of the US are isolated from the events in the Middle East. Jill Stein was accused of assaulting a police officer. Looking at footage, it shows police officers attacking non-violent protestors. If this went to court, it would show that the police were engaged in misconduct. The motivation for targeting Jill Stein could be that the Democratic Party fears third party candidates. A number of economic and foreign affairs related policies have made the situation volatile. President Biden's chances of winning reelection are reducing due to the Israel-Gaza War. Jill Stein being an anti-war candidate could attract some voters disillusioned with the Democratic and Republican Party. The challenge is the Green Party does not have the same financial power as the two major political parties. The donor class ensures that the two party system survives. The more disturbing aspect is the effort to suppress political opposition. The freedom of assembly is being threatened by law enforcement. Free speech on campuses is also being stifled under the excuse of protecting Jewish students from antisemitism Jewish students are not under attack, but there is a rise in anti-Arab racism. Universities across the United States make no such accommodations to Palestinian students. Jill Stein's arrest is further evidence that free expression and open dialogue is being phased out  in higher education.        

Henry Kissinger Protested At Senate Armed Services Committee (2015)

 

Henry Kissinger served as national security advisor and secretary of state. Under both the Nixon and Ford administrations he was connected with war crimes. Kissinger's role in the atrocities in the Vietnam War involved promoting long term bombings. This effected both Laos and Cambodia. He was also instrumental in the coup in Chile and Indonesia's invasion of East Timor. What historians also forget to mention is Kissinger's determination to halt Angola's liberation war against white minority colonial rule. When Kissinger  was coming to provide testimony at the Armed Services Committee, he was protested by CODEPINK. The anti-war demonstrators proceeded to to remind the public of his human rights violations. When this happened in 2015 the US was at war with Afghanistan, arming terrorist organizations in Syria, and getting confrontational with China. The fact that Henry Kissinger was still deemed a respectful figure in American society demonstrates the amount of corruption in the American political system.  

President Ali Bongo Ondimba Has Lost Power To The Military

 

Gabon has become another African country that deposed a longtime leader. President Ali Bongo Ondimba has been placed under house arrest by the military. This comes after a contentious election in which Ali Bongo was declared the winner. The Bongo Ondimba family has ruled Gabon since 1967. Omar Bongo, the father of the current president was supported by France and developed an authoritarian power structure. When Omar Bongo died in 2009, Ali Bongo became his successor. Debates remain about how free and fair elections have been since the Bongo Ondimba family have been in politics. A portion of Gabonese welcomed the coup, because it meant that a new form of government could come into existence. Voting was not going to remove the Bongos and  presidential term limits were never discussed. Protests against the government did happen in 2016. A coup attempt in 2019 was foiled. The military launched another coup in 2023 and so far it appears successful. Gabon has oil and mineral resources, but the Bongos failed to improve living standards of the Gabonese. France has interest in keeping a regime in power to extract these resources. The change in government certainly will get the attention of Cameroon , Equatorial Guinea, and the Republic of Congo. Paul Biya, Dennis Sassou Nguesso, and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo could come to the realization their countries could be subject to military coups. A major political shift that started in 2020 is spreading across the African continent. Either the new regimes will revert to another form of authoritarianism or follow an alternative political path. Gabon now joins Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in the group of African countries under military rule.  

Nelson Mandela Sings South African Liberation Song (1990)

 

Liberation songs were used during protests during the fight against Apartheid. Music does play a role in spreading a message or organizing people for a cause. South Africa's fight against white minority colonial rule gave birth to a number of liberation songs. The video shows Nelson Mandela in 1990 singing with supporters. This liberation song was by the ANC's military wing Umkhonyo we sizwe. Critics claimed that it was anti-white and encouraged violence. The African population was fighting for survival against Afrikaners taking their land and a campaign of state terrorism. Basic rights were restricted, the black majority was segregated, and the police state used lethal force. Resentment of the oppressor is only natural. The armed wing of the ANC was activated because there was no means of fighting the Apartheid regime through the courts. When Nelson Mandela was released, it was a major turning point. He went to being a political prisoner to the president. South Africa would have its first democratic elections in 1994. 

Protests Against Peruvian President Dina Boluarte

 

Peruvians are showing their frustration with the current administration. Demonstrations have spread across the country. Most of the protesters are either associated with leftist groups and labor unions. The discord is being generated from the ineffective leadership of President Dina Boluarte. The accusation is that her government has become more authoritarian. Legal question remain about the removal of former president Pedro Castillo. Evidence suggest that attempts were made to depose his government by right-wing factions. He could not bring stability and the biggest error was dissolving the congress. Dina Boluarte was not elected. One of the demands of protesters is that she either resigns or new elections to be held. The biggest motivation for public discord is growing poverty and wealth gaps. Peru is a major copper producing nation, but only a few people of benefited from this natural resource. Being a large metal producing country, more Peruvians should see an increase in their income. Rage has grown so much that the demands for a new constitution and the congress to be dissolved are being proposed by activists. Peru's government in response has deployed an estimated 24,000 police officers. President Dina Boluarte is developing a network  of repression to remain in power. If elections were held in the next few months, most Peruvians would not vote for her. Peru since 2017 has developed into an illiberal democracy. A former Free Peru Party member has now become a more conservative president. Dina Boluarte's power comes from the congress, police, and military. All those institutions are being weaponized against the population. Either a coup or uprising will end her presidency if elections do not take place. The only means of defense  the Peruvian public  has are demonstrations and suffrage.     

A New Wave Of French Protests And Riots

 

A new wave of protests and riots have spread across France. The murder of Nahel Merzouk by police  was the catalyst. The murder highlights the discrimination and racism directed at the Arab and immigrant populations in France. The Arab and African population are segregated in the suburbs. The disturbing amount of police brutality directed at immigrants, Africans, Arabs, and the workers show that France is descending into a quasi-authoritarian state. European countries can no longer claim they are models of liberal democracy, with a number of social and economic problems. When action is not taken, sometimes the frustration projects itself in riots. France has yellow vest demonstrations and protests against pension reform. The more discord grows the more society becomes unstable. The Arab and Muslim community is facing isolation and targeted violence. Islamophobia gradually is becoming government policy. The growth of xenophobic nativist nationalism only has exacerbated matters across Europe. The riots and protests are reminder little has changed since the events of 2005. The response now is more repression. According to the Interior Ministry a total of 45,000 police officers have been deployed. Racism and xenophobia are getting worse at a time when economic challenges are not being addressed. What cannot be denied is that France is racially segregated. The former empire colonized countries in Africa and Asia. The imperial legacy continues in the form of racial hatred and an arrogant  sense of cultural superiority. The protests and riots in France certainly will damage the nation's image around the world.  

The Russian Anti-War Protests

 

Since 2022 there have been anti-war protests in Russia. The protesters disagree with President Putin's invasion of Ukraine and NATO instigation. The press in the UK, US, France, and Germany does not acknowledge the anti-war movement in Russia. Anti-war activists globally have not made connections to organizations active in the Russian Federation. The reason other countries do not recognize the Russian anti-war movement is because it does not fit a certain narrative. The press and government of Europe and North America wants to present an image of a nefarious Russian Federation. Russophobia has become a normalized sentiment extending to a wider xenophobia. The language and paranoia of the Cold War has reemerged even though the Soviet Union no longer exists. Russian are seen as malevolent, rather than focusing on actions of the United Russia Party. The existence of anti-war activists in Russia dismantles the narrative of Russians unanimously supporting the government. The unusual aspect is that some would think that the EU would want to show support to the protest. The motivation would not be out of concern for the cause of peace, but rather to undermine President Vladimir Putin. Russian anti-war activists face imprisonment and are harassed by the government. The anti-war activists in other countries have shown limited support for those inside the Russian Federation. Suppression and lack of international solidarity will cause the anti-war movement in Russia to disappear. The estimate for the number of detained was 1,700 in 2022. The figures could be higher, but an official number has not been confirmed for 2023. The anti-war movement in Russia also has broken into factions divided on issues related to those who want President Putin to resign and support for opposition leader Alexei Navalny. 

The Pension Reform Protests Escalate

 

France is seeing a rise in protests over the pension reforms. Increasing the retirement age is not a policy that should be implemented when Europe faces economic difficulties. As demonstrations spread, police violence has increased. Images of tear gas and police using clubs have been seen all over the world. The image of orderly,  democratic, and free Europe has been destroyed. The image was in many ways a myth used to keep citizens passive about economic and political conditions. The new pension reforms are an attack on workers, labor unions, and the French public. President Emmanuel Macron is determined to force through the changes, even if it costs him politically. The bill was pushed through the lower house of parliament without a vote. Doing this raises questions about the legality of the matter. What the demonstrations expose is the normalization of police brutality and plots against organized labor. The attacks on the yellow vest protests were a precursor  to the current violence. Violence from law enforcement has caught the attention of Amnesty International, the Council of Europe, and the International Federation of Human Rights. The use of stun grenades and rubber bullets have been condemned by these organizations. The establishment claims police are being attacked by leftists and anarchists who create violence. Most of the violence comes from law enforcement directed at protesters. It does not matter if they are peaceful or violent. A coordinated effort is designed to repress workers and the public. France might continue to descend further into labor disputes, civil unrest, and authoritarian tendencies.   

The Masha Amini Protests

 

The death of Masha Amini has sparked protests over Iran. The morality police have been under much criticism for their conduct in Iran. A new attention to women's rights has been the focus. This is different from the 2009 protests. Those were directed at the administration at the  the time. Iranian women have a new desire to have more freedom and access to the public sphere. The protests are indigenous,  meaning that there is no external force attempting destabilization. If Iran wants to change its government, it will have to come from the efforts of the people living there. Exiles and foreign entities are not going to form a genuine revolution. Other social pressures could be driving discord. Sanctions and the war in Yemen are sources of contention. The growing possibility of a conflict with Israel is a concern. Saudi Arabia continues to be a security risk to the Islamic Republic. The economic and social challenges are not being addressed. The theocratic regimes in the Middle East are some of the worst human rights abusers. Iran and Israel demonstrate why theocracy is not preferable form of government. Women are subject to more abuse under theocratic regimes. More restrictions are placed on women  the more religious a society is. The demonstrations are not as massive as the 1979 Iranian Revolution against the monarchy. The reason is because  the issue mostly effects women. Men probably are not going to be supportive of a social  or cultural change related to sex politics. Although the demonstrations might not be successful, a growing number of Iranian women are reaching a new political consciousness.    

Anti-Government Protests In Sierra Leone

 

The rising cost of living has brought people to protest in Sierra Leone. This resulted in a violent response from authorities. Freetown imposed a curfew. The price of food, gas, electricity, and various commodities  have pushed the country to the brink. Poverty has been a major concern. Some are calling for President Julius Maada Bio to resign. Yet, he insists that the protests were politically motivated. That argument does not explain the fact that inflation has not been addressed. The growth of economic inequality only causes discord and violence in a nation. Sierra Leone has been struggling to rebuild after a brutal civil war. The war lasted from 1991 to 2002, but the nation remains divided. ECOWAS has condemned the violence. This might prevent further escalation . ECOWAS did intervene in Gambia and that possibly could be another option for Sierra Leone. Economic improvements must be made before a civil war breaks out. If civil war does not happen, a possible military coup could happen. A combination of broken promises , lack of reconciliation, and economic decline  put Sierra Leone in this condition.  

The End of Roe v. Wade

 

The Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade. This means women will not have access to safe abortion. The ruling could induce a large public health crisis. Women might seek more dangerous methods to terminate pregnancy. Considering the US healthcare system is of low quality overtime the result of this ruling will overwhelm it. The Democratic Party's failure to codify the law demonstrates it was never a liberal party. Reproductive rights were not defended even when the Democrats had a majority during the Obama administration. Political centrists that dominate the party allowed this to happen. Protests have erupted, but this will not be as effective as legal action. The role of religious fundamentalism in this ruling cannot be underestimated. Organized religion has become so incompatible with a democratic political structure it undermines rights and freedoms. The Republican triumph was engineered by the Federalist Society. The organization was responsible for getting a number of conservatives on the Supreme Court.  Other rulings might be a target regarding voting rights and gay marriage. President Joseph Biden stated he was going to codify Roe v. Wade, but took no measures to make that possible. More legal challenges will be heading to the Supreme Court. Roe v. Wade however seems to have reached its end. 

Anti-French Protests In Chad

 

Chad has erupted in protests against France. Frustration has grown over the military control of government and French influence over internal affairs. Chadians are seeing their government as a puppet regime to Paris and now are taking action. The Transitional Military Council has the full support of France. Chad has been an essential partner in the country's attempt to establish a sphere of influence in Africa. Since the death of President Idriss Deby the Chad has been in a state of discord.  French linked  businesses were attacked in N' Djamena. The real power in the country has been concentrated in Mahamat Idriss. Son of the former president, he has not made any decrees about returning to a civilian government. The targets of attacks were petrol stations operated by the French company Total Energies.  France has troops in West Africa under the excuse of fighting terrorism. While armed conflict has been present in West Africa, a French military presence does not help. Chad hosts a  French military base in Chad's capital N' Djamena. Rumors have been circulating that France was intending to build more. Currently there is  estimated to be  1,000 French troops at the base. Occupation is a catalyst for terrorism and protests. The demand to expel the French, have democratic reforms, and basic rights is growing. The Transitional Military Council can only survive with French assistance. Mahamat Idriss might be slowly making his way to consolidate power through repression and French aid. This will not deter the demonstrations, which have been happening since 2021. 

Eswatini's Demonstrations Against The Monarchy

 

Eswatini ( known as Swaziland until 2018)  has been seeing demonstrations against the monarchy since 2021. The country has been described as an absolute monarchy. These growing protests are the most recent challenge to the rule of King Mswati  III. Political parties are banned and the nation struggles with poverty. These protests are sporadic and do not have a single leader. Teachers have been very active in the demonstrations with the desire for higher pay. The public seems to be leaning toward more democratic reforms, rather than a total revolution in the political system. The economic decline Eswatini has faced has caused more discord among the public. Previous protests were organized  by student movements and trade unions. The difference  in the current demonstrations is various cross sections of the population are getting involved. Disagreements among the protesters are present. Some want  the monarchy abolished and others desire a constitutional limit on the king's powers. A portion of citizens do not want to see change in the system at all. Msawti III has been king since 1986 and it is unlikely he would abdicate the throne. Reforms could be possible under enormous political pressure, but a change in government would take years to form. 

Unrest in Kazakhstan

 

Protests broke out across Kazakhstan. This was in response to fuel price increases. There are other grievances that have been articulated. Frustration with the government has grown over the years. The protest caused a large number of cabinet resignations and a state of emergency to be declared. The removal of price controls on liquefied petroleum gas. It has been reported that former President Nursultan Nazarbayev will no longer be on the Security Council. This was expressed as one of the complaints coming from demonstrators in the cities. There is a feeling that Nazarbayev still holds political influence even though he resigned in 2019. This is the first real challenge to current President Kassym-Jomart  Tokayev. The fear of the leaders of the Kazakhstan is the people are going to demand more freedoms and a limit on the powers of the presidency. President Tokayev has asked for military assistance from Russia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. While there has been violence, little evidence exists that external actors are active in sabotage . The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) might intervene to prevent a Central Asian spring. Kazakhstan has only had two presidents since becoming an independent nation in 1991. The demand for a new system of governance could be evolving.  

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest Occur After Former South African President Jacob Zuma Is Jailed

 

President Jacob Zuma has been jailed. The accusations of corruption brought criminal charges. The aftermath was that demonstrations broke out from the verdict. An appeal was denied was denied by the high court. Currently, demonstrations are being held in various cities and townships. The military has been deployed to deal with the violence and reported looting in the country. His support among the rural poor is strong and Zuma does retain loyal followers. President Zuma was a dominant force in South African politics. He was charged wit contempt of court for refusing to appear to answer questions about corruption during his administration from 2009 to 2018. The reason Zuma has support is that he was willing to programs of economic distribution . This is very popular among South Africans who experience the harsh conditions of economic inequality. The apartheid regime impoverished the black majority and the ANC has failed to reverse the damage of the past. President Jacob Zuma promised a change that was refreshing to young voters living in poverty. The reason supports still follow him was that he was actually trying to improve the conditions of South Africa. Despite charges related to money laundering, arms deals, and contempt of court many think this has a political motivation. The imprisonment of former Jacob Zuma will only divide the country more. 

Lebanon's Increasing Instability

Lebanon has experienced a bombing in Beirut. The country continues to struggle with with economic decline and a leadership unable to solve the country's problems. Protests over unemployment and increased taxation has brought the country to the brink. The explosion of the port in the capital does not appear to be an act of terrorism. Many theories have been expressed, yet the government remains silent. Some have speculated that it was a strike by Israel to counter Hezbollah. Protests have been occuring since October of 2019 and there is no end in sight. Food security has declined, currency had rapidly devalued, and the population grows more vexed. The ruling elite have allowed Lebanon to fall into long term crisis that could spread regionally. A civil war in Syria and a more aggressive Israel could spark a larger war. Iran has significant involvement in Lebanon. Iranian influence has been growing immensely since Iraq ceased to be stable. Currently, the government of Lebanon has launched an investigation into the port explosion. There is little faith from the population that substantial action will be taken. The explosion could have been caused by the ignition of ammonium nitrate. Although there were not mass amounts of deaths, rebuilding will take large amounts of funding. With little revenue and limited possibility of assistance, Lebanon could be heading for mass insurrection. The removal of rubble and debris has become a symbol of a country on the verge of collapse. Options are limited. Lebanon can either seek loans from either Saudi Arabia or France. Neither of these options are favorable. France a former colonizer of Lebanon would make citizens more suspicious of the government. Saudi Arabia has made attempts to make Lebanon another front in their regional competition with Iran. Whatever happens next, peaceful solutions are limited.