Civil unrest occurs when civilians within a governing authority become discontented with prevailing conditions. It can stem from various sources such as political legislation, racial discrimination, police brutality, and systemic issues.
In Ghana, weak political leadership is a pervasive challenge across the Executive, legislature, and Judiciary.
Statistically, as of 2019, over 4 billion people—more than half of the global population—are connected to the internet, a significant increase from 1.5 billion in 2009. While digital connectivity is a critical enabler for global protests, historical patterns and a “contagion effect” across borders suggest that it is not the sole driving factor.
Businesses operating in Africa are increasingly affected by disruptions linked to protests, demonstrations, and riots. Research indicates a worsening trend from 2023 into 2024, with 36 African countries seeing heightened risks of civil unrest—a notable increase from previous years.
Countries such as the Republic of the Congo, Angola, and Kenya have experienced significant declines in their Civil Unrest Index rankings, highlighting escalating tensions.
Across Africa, these dynamics exacerbate challenges already worsened by global events like the Ukraine conflict, including food and energy insecurity, and rising living costs.
As Africa faces mounting food shortages, government inefficiencies, and contentious elections, protests are expected to rise. Regions like the Sahel, Central Africa, and the Horn of Africa, already grappling with severe droughts, are particularly susceptible to unrest.
Inflation, unemployment, and failing public infrastructure are widespread issues in Africa. Countries struggling to address these problems are more likely to experience unrest.
Recent elections in Nigeria and upcoming ones in Senegal illustrate how political uncertainty can fuel protests. Social media plays a crucial role in mobilizing dissent by providing platforms to discuss grievances and organize protests, amplifying voices and challenging the status quo.
The internet’s ability to rapidly disseminate information—along with misinformation—has transformed protest dynamics globally. Social media platforms like Facebook are now primary sources of news and organizers for protests.
Global youth unemployment is a significant driver of mass protests, as over 42 percent of the world’s population is under 25. Youth unemployment rates are alarmingly high in many regions, exacerbating discontent and social unrest.
In conclusion, while digital connectivity amplifies protest movements, underlying socio-economic and political factors remain critical in shaping the landscape of civil unrest globally.
Story by: AYM Kukah
