Earlier this year, a new wave of activism swept across Bangladesh and Kenya, driven by young generations determined to bring about substantial change in their countries. In Bangladesh, Gen Z activists, disillusioned with their government’s human rights abuses and increasing authoritarianism, are rejecting the paths of migration or passive acceptance taken by their parents. Instead, they are staying to fight for reform and justice. At the same time, in Kenya, suggested increases in taxes have triggered extensive demonstrations, quickly developing into a wider campaign calling for responsible leadership and openness in government.
These occurrences raise the question: what is causing these youth-driven movements in Bangladesh and Kenya?
Bangladesh Protest
In Bangladesh, underlying tensions about unfair policies reached a breaking point when the government reinstated a quota system that allocated about 30% of coveted government jobs to the descendants of “freedom fighters” – those who liberated Bangladesh from Pakistan in 1971. This decision shattered the dreams of many bright and proactive youths in a country already grappling with a staggering 18 million unemployed young people.
In response, the “Students Against Discrimination” movement emerged, led by a promising youth named Abdul Sayed. The movement gained momentum, with students protesting against what they saw as an unjust system that favored a select group while ignoring the broader issue of unemployment. Tragically, the movement’s intensity was met with brutal force. Abdul Sayed and 200 of his fellow protesters were shot dead by government forces. The footage of this obvious illegal murder circulated rapidly on the internet, sparking a movement that mobilized numerous students nationwide. Many civilians of different disciplines came together in unity, in frustration and grief for the loss of Sayed and over 200 other demonstrators who were killed by government-supported student activists and military.
This unexpected momentum forced the High Court to modify the quota system, allocating only 7% of the positions to the offspring of freedom fighters. However, this significant compromise did not succeed in quelling the turmoil. The protesters ultimately wanted a foundational change.
Acknowledging this groundbreaking movement that might impact the future of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving female prime minister in the world, who ruled Bangladesh for 15 years, was compelled to step down and hastily departed the country on a military plane.
“The country is going through a revolutionary period,” said Zaman, the new army chief in Bangladesh.
“I promise you all, we will bring justice to all the murders and injustice. We request you to have faith in the army of the country,” he said, in response to the civil unrest. “Please don’t go back to the path of violence and please return to non-violent and peaceful ways.”
The success of this movement is the strongest proof that Bangladeshi people are no longer content with economic progress at the cost of human rights, free speech and democracy.
Kenya’s Protests and the Role of the IMF
A similar movement, albeit caused by tax hikes, occurred in Kenya. What started out peaceful later became chaotic as the protesters breached police barricades and set parts of parliament building on fire, destroyed legislators’ offices and carted away property. The Kenyan police responded with live fires which resulted in 39 casualties.
This unrest shocked the nation, prompting Kenyan President William Ruto to shelve the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Despite this, protests continued, driven by broader grievances about economic hardship and government spending on luxuries. President Ruto faces pressure to avoid a harsher crackdown and engage in meaningful dialogue with young people, while Western partners urge moderation.
At the same time, protesters are called to maintain peaceful demonstrations and seize opportunities for dialogue. The situation shows the urgent need to address Kenya’s economic difficulties and the wider financial problems confronting numerous African nations.
The IMF’s Role in the Current Crisis
The ongoing protests have put the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the spotlight. Moreover, African countries have long criticized the IMF for giving loans with strict conditions that unfairly impact the less privileged. In Kenya, this anger is renewed due to Ruto’s now-withdrawn tax hikes and similar legislation passed in 2023, which are both linked to IMF loans. These measures have intensified the economic hardship faced by many Kenyans, who are already struggling with high living costs and soaring debt.
When President Ruto took office in August 2022, Kenya’s external debt was about 67 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). This debt has since increased to $80 billion. The IMF’s involvement began in April 2021, when Kenya entered into a 38-month program with the IMF to help manage its debt and create a conducive economic environment for private-sector investment. The program included conditions such as hiking taxes, reducing subsidies, and cutting government waste.
The IMF-backed reforms, including the Finance Bill 2023, introduced measures like a 2.5% housing levy and raised value added tax (VAT) on fuel from 8 to 16%. These measures triggered protests, though the turnout was not as high as the recent demonstrations in June 2024. Despite Ruto’s efforts to meet the IMF’s conditions, public discontent grew as the economic situation worsened.
Current Narrative
The protests have highlighted the complex relationship between Kenya’s government and IMF. Critics argue that while the IMF’s conditions aim to stabilize the economy, they often result in policies that burden the average citizen. Economist Dumebi Oluwole noted that higher interest rates on IMF loans are often due to a country’s history of defaults and that leaders sometimes choose options like taxation over cost-cutting, exacerbating public discontent.
As the protests continue, the IMF has expressed its intention to monitor the situation closely. The organization has indicated that it may show flexibility on the targets for Kenya in light of the recent unrest. President Ruto has announced new austerity measures, including cutting government spending and borrowing to fill the gap left by the withdrawn tax bill.
These revolutions are a clear message for a balanced approach to economic reform that addresses both the immediate needs of the population and the long-term financial health of the country from youths to those who have long held on to and abused power, not only in Bangladesh and Kenya, but across the world. In both countries, these energetic movements led by young people represent a common desire for democracy, human rights, and a fairer future.
