Obasanjo: African youth are a ticking time bomb
Africa
By
Denis Omondi
| Jul 11, 2024
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned African governments against the continued neglect of their youthful majority, likening the situation to a ticking time bomb.
According to Obasanjo, African youth are a hopeless, disempowered, and dejected group demanding change, as evidenced by recent anti-government protests, such as the Gen Z uprising in Kenya.
He cautions that similar protests could soon erupt across the continent if the issues affecting young people are not addressed.
"We've sounded a warning about this. All over Africa, we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. There is no country in Africa where the youth are not angry," he said while speaking to Citizen TV on Wednesday.
"This is the beginning. If no adequate attention is paid to the needs of the youth in Africa, the autumn will turn to winter. It will be very ugly for all of us."
READ MORE
US sanctions DR Congo ex-leader Kabila over rebel ties
UN helps return hundreds of DR Congo refugees from Burundi
DR Congo, M23 armed group agree to ease aid, free prisoners
Government plans stricter laws to clean up tea sector
Violence against journalists in DR Congo rising, says RSF
Tea farmers against some clauses in the tea amendment bill
Ruto strips agriculture body of coffee role in sector shake-up
French aid worker killed in DR Congo air strike
Rwanda hits back at US sanctions over M23 support in DR Congo
US slaps sanctions on Rwanda military over DR Congo 'violation'
Obasanjo, often considered a senior elder and continental statesman, was in Kenya to deliver the keynote address at this year's Pan African Youth Convention held at the Kenya School of Government.
His speech focused on how the continent can trigger an economic transformation by addressing its debt challenges as leaders push for reforms in the global financial infrastructure, which seems skewed against African borrowers.
In his home country, Nigeria, a 10-day standoff between the youth and the government is anticipated, starting on August 1, largely inspired by the Kenyan street demonstrations that led to several concessions from President William Ruto.