Tanzania on Edge: Gen Z Protests Ignite Concerns of Unrest in Global Wave

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.