Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressing a press conference on March 15 in Dakar, Senegal .Photo credit John Wessels, AFP
In recent years, Africa has witnessed a notable shift in its political landscape, characterized by the emergence of young leaders aspiring to reshape their nations' futures. This trend has been particularly pronounced in countries like Tanzania and Senegal, where the allure of political engagement has drawn a new generation of individuals seeking to address pressing socio-economic challenges and drive transformative change.
The landslide presidential victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Senegal serves as a striking example of this phenomenon. At just 44 years old, Faye has become the youngest president in the country's history, propelled to power by a groundswell of support from both the youth and disillusioned segments of the population. His triumph represents a seismic shift in Senegal's political landscape, challenging the entrenched power structures and signaling a desire for fresh leadership untethered to the status quo.
According to a Senegalese journalist, Jude Ndeh Asah, Faye's ascent to the presidency was facilitated by his alliance with Ousmane Sonko, a formidable opposition figure known for his vocal criticism of political elites and advocacy for socio-economic reform.
According to Ruth Maclean, The Times' West Africa bureau chief, Sonko's backing provided a significant boost to Faye's campaign, garnering support from disillusioned voters who had lost faith in the conventional political system. Their agenda, centered on renegotiating energy contracts and championing "monetary sovereignty" to liberate Senegal from external currency dependencies, struck a chord with citizens longing for economic self-reliance and equitable social policies.
Tanzania's political arena recently witnessed a significant development as the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) banned the group 'Mama's Chawa', citing their sole intention of seeking power. This decision, accompanied by a directive to rename the group to 'Defenders of Mama', signifies a strategic shift within the party. Frata Katumwa, the district secretary of CCM in Ilala, disclosed this decision during an address to the Union of Women of CCM (UWT), highlighting its origins from the party's Central Committee meeting held on July 9 this year.
Prominent political analysts such as Dr. Onesmo Kyauke and Dr. Richard Mbunda have voiced their opinions on the matter. Kyauke commended the ban, emphasizing its potential to restore stability, while Mbunda echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of upholding the party's reputation and the interests of the nation.
Captured in the essence of youthful leadership, Abdul Nondo, the dynamic youth leader of the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo. Photo courtesy .
The term "chawa" in Tanzania refers to young individuals vying for favor with senior leaders in hopes of securing appointments. This phenomenon mirrors the broader trend seen across Africa, where youth are increasingly gravitating towards politics as a means of addressing socio-economic challenges. While some, like John Mnyika and Zitto Kabwe of the opposition parties, have demonstrated exemplary leadership, others, such as Paul Makonda and Lengai Ole Sabaya, have faced criticism for their actions while in power.
John Heche, a former MP, has raised concerns about the disillusionment among Tanzanian youth, highlighting instances where promising individuals have succumbed to the allure of power without demonstrating genuine leadership qualities. This sentiment is echoed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) pastor Richard Hananja, who attributes the rise in corruption cases to the desire for immediate success among young people.
