From Asia to Africa and South America, a new generation of freedom fighters is making its mark on global politics.
Youth-led demonstrations, many of which are organised through social media, are challenging long-standing regimes, exposing corruption and igniting violent clashes that have resulted in leadership changes in some countries.
Low minimum wage, police violence
Young Indonesians and ordinary workers have spilt their anger into the streets over growing living expenses, job insecurity, and government indifference.
The protests, which started peacefully, intensified after the death of a 21-year-old motorcycle delivery rider, who was ploughed over by a police tactical vehicle in Jakarta.
Demonstrators across Indonesia set fire to numerous government buildings, denouncing the government for giving massive allowances – ten times the capital city’s minimum wage – to parliamentarians amid the increasing economic hardships in the country.
They demanded that the Prabowo Subianto-led administration dismiss top police officials, revise parliamentarians’ benefits and safeguard low-wage workers.
This protest kick-started the Gen Z movement against corruption in Asia.
Systemic corruption, censorship
In early September, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government was overthrown by anti-corruption demonstrations in Nepal.
The protests were triggered by a controversial ban on 26 social media platforms, which disrupted daily communication and small business operations in the country.
Protesters, some of whom were bearing flags of the Japanese manga One Piece, were seen storming the streets of Kathmandu and nearby cities.
Some were also seen vandalising politicians’ homes and lynching several high-profile political figures, whom they deemed had contributed to the systemic corruption in the country.
At least 72 casualties were recorded in the aftermath of the demonstrations.
A new interim government was formed to restore order in the country.
Billion-dollar ‘ghost’ projects
Thousands of young Filipinos – including students, celebrities, church groups and private citizens – have flooded the streets of Manila and other provinces on the anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s Martial Law declaration on September 21.
The protesters were denouncing the loss of billions of dollars in taxpayer money to non-existent flood relief projects.
Local media reports revealed that lawmakers from both the Upper House and Lower House pocketed huge kickbacks during biddings, most of which were monopolised by politician-backed construction firms.
This corruption has led to the delay of thousands of flood control projects in a country that receives an average of 20 tropical cyclones per year.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful, save for a few minor incidents orchestrated by “protesters or just people who are causing trouble,” a police official told AFP.
A second protest is slated for November 30.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: https://newsjustnews.com/international-news-protesters-flood-philippine-streets-in-cry-against-corruption/
Frustration over lack of basic needs, oppression
Following weeks of demonstrations over severe power and water shortages, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina dissolved his administration.
Demonstrators, led by the “Gen Z Madagascar” movement, expressed deep frustration over government inaction in a nation where 75% of the population lives in poverty.
This led to their demands for the dissolution of the government, replacement of constitutional court judges and election commission members, and the removal of Rajoelina and his political allies from power.
“We really want a radical change of the system because it’s the system that maintains the corruption and also maintains the oppression of the poorest people in the country,” a protester told The Guardian.
According to the United Nations, at least 22 people died and 100 were injured during the unrest.
This was contested by the Madagascar authorities, who slammed the claim as mere “rumours and misinformation.”
Better schooling, healthcare services
Similar movements have occurred in Morocco, led by an organisation calling itself “Gen Z 212,” referring to the country’s area code.
The uprising has spread across cities, recording at least three fatalities and over 400 arrests.
Protesters have decried the government’s massive investments into the 2030 World Cup preparations, which allegedly cut into the funding for education and healthcare services.
“Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” one of the protesters chanted, as reported by the Associated Press.
In response to the massive protests, the Moroccan government has initiated dialogues “within institutions and public spaces,” as announced by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in a televised address.
However, protesters continued their demand for a change in leadership.
READ ALSO: https://newsjustnews.com/gen-z-revolt-tests-nepals-constitution/
Economic insecurity, widespread extortion
Young demonstrators and transport workers have marched in the Peruvian capital of Lima to protest the growing economic insecurity in the country.
The protests were ignited by a government measure mandating citizens to contribute to a private pension fund.
Gang extortions have also urged bus and taxi drivers to take their frustration to the streets, demanding that the government intervene for public safety.
Placards that read, “We demand a life without fear,” were seen during the protests.
Protesters have thrown stones and clashed with the police, which led to the injuries of at least 18 demonstrators.
Solidarity across borders
The wave of protests is a part of a larger trend in which Gen Z activists are influencing political environments through the use of internet technology.
They are creating cross-border solidarity, whether in Nepal, the Philippines or Peru.
“When they see that somewhere has had a similar kind of situation, and people have some degree of success … they might feel, let’s try this out over here,” SOAS South Asian Institute director Subir Sinha told CNN in an interview.
While grievances differ, the thread linking them is a demand for accountability.
“It’s as if they’re holding each other’s hands across national borders,” said Sinha.
Shameeka Voyiya 
Lucia Caporalini 
Kamille Q. Cabreza