Young people across the globe are leading a wave of protests against their governments, driven by frustrations over unemployment, corruption, and declining living conditions. Utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, these youth movements have mobilized demonstrations that vary in intensity, from peaceful gatherings to violent confrontations. The protests are particularly notable in countries like Indonesia and Nepal, where public anger has escalated into significant unrest.
In late August, protests in Indonesia turned deadly, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals after police actions ignited widespread outrage over the rising cost of living and social inequality. The incident that sparked this unrest involved the death of a delivery driver at the hands of law enforcement. Similarly, in Nepal, protests erupted against a government-imposed social media ban, which quickly morphed into larger demonstrations addressing political instability and corruption. These protests resulted in 72 fatalities, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Protests Erupt in Peru, Morocco, and Madagascar
Inspired by the actions in Indonesia and Nepal, young people in Peru have also taken to the streets. In late September, hundreds marched in the capital, Lima, against pension reforms mandating contributions to private funds. This demonstration escalated into violent clashes with police on September 29, during which protesters launched stones and petrol bombs while law enforcement responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, injuring at least 18 individuals.
The protests in Peru have been fueled by a broader discontent with the government led by President Dina Boluarte, whose approval rating has plummeted to a historic low of just 2%. Critics have decried her decision to double her salary while the country grapples with high unemployment and rampant extortion by criminal gangs. Reports indicate that complaints of extortion in Peru have surged sixfold over five years, with approximately 38% of citizens aware of such cases in their communities. Following mounting pressure, lawmakers voted on October 9 to remove Boluarte from office, with new elections scheduled for April 2026.
In Morocco, a grassroots movement named Gen Z 212, referencing the country’s international dialing code, has gained traction since late September, with protests spreading across ten cities. The group has effectively utilized TikTok, Instagram, and Discord to organize and coordinate demonstrations. The movement emerged in response to the tragic deaths of eight women during childbirth in a public hospital in Agadir, igniting public outrage over the dire state of healthcare in the country.
With only 7.8 doctors available per 10,000 residents—far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 23—Moroccans have voiced their frustration. They have chanted slogans demanding, “We want hospitals, not football stadiums,” in reference to the government’s $5 billion investment in a new stadium for the 2030 World Cup. In response to the unrest, police have arrested hundreds, and clashes have resulted in fatalities, including three deaths on October 1 during a confrontation near Agadir. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has invited Gen Z 212 to engage in dialogue, but the protests continue.
Madagascar Faces Escalating Unrest
Madagascar has not been immune to this surge of youth-led demonstrations. In early October, at least 22 people were killed and over 100 injured during protests organized by an online group named Gen Z Mada. The movement gained momentum following the arrest of two politicians who had called for peaceful demonstrations addressing basic necessities such as water and electricity shortages.
Initially focused on these critical issues, the protests quickly escalated into calls for the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina, whom many citizens blame for mismanagement and corruption. Rajoelina attempted to quell the unrest by dissolving his government and proposing national dialogue, but this did little to pacify protesters. He later appointed an army general as prime minister and enforced a strict curfew in the capital, Antananarivo. Despite these efforts, the protests have persisted, with demonstrators continuing to demand change.
The global trend of youth-led protests reflects a growing discontent among young people in developing nations, echoing previous movements in countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh that successfully toppled governments. As young activists challenge entrenched elites, they are reshaping the political landscape and demanding a better future for themselves and their communities.
This surge of activism showcases the power of social media in organizing and advocating for change, as young people leverage technology to amplify their voices and mobilize their peers. The call for justice and accountability resonates across borders, as the next generation of leaders strives to address the pressing challenges facing their societies.
