Why Somalia’s leaders must engage with youth to achieve meaningful change

Sunday, August 25, 2024
Sadik Warfa

Barack Obama once said, “Change won’t come if we wait for someone else or some other time. We are who we wait for. We are the change we seek.” These words resonate deeply today, especially as the world experiences a moment of revolution and enlightenment led by young people. Young people around the world are increasingly questioning the role their leaders play in shaping their future, driving an agenda that demands accountability and progress.

This is a wake-up call for young people in my home country of Somalia. Although we are currently in a stable political situation, we can learn a lot from youth movements in Kenya, Bangladesh, Nigeria and India. These young people have demonstrated the power of collective action, demanding transparency and active participation in the political and development processes of their countries.

Youth leadership is not new to Africa; in fact, many African countries attribute their independence to the efforts and wisdom of young leaders. In Tanzania, for example, Julius Nyerere, known as the “Father of the Nation,” played a key role in the country’s path to independence and early development. A passionate advocate for Tanzania’s then-Tanganyika’s freedom from British colonial rule, Nyerere developed the concept of Ujamaa (African socialism), championed education, and led his country to peaceful independence as the leader of the ruling Tanzania National Union. He earned global respect as an anti-colonialist and ensured Tanzania remained stable and united in the decades following independence while in power.

In my home country, the Somali Youth League (SYL) was key in Somalia’s struggle for independence, organizing protests and educating young people about the importance of self-determination. They were active in resistance movements against British, Italian and Ethiopian authorities, while also educating Somali youth about their history, culture and the importance of self-determination. Their legacy is a powerful reminder for today’s youth, who make up over 70% of the population. With 42% of the population aged between 14 and 29, it is vital to involve them in leadership and decision-making. When young people are left out, they may turn to militias or crime out of frustration. But with the right education and employment opportunities, they can be the driving force for a brighter future for Somalia.

Kenya has experienced a wave of protests over the past few months, driven largely by young people. The protests initially focused on rejecting the 2024 Finance Bill, which seeks to increase taxes on various items, further burdening a population already suffering from high inflation and unemployment, but it has become clear that the demonstrations are over the deepening cost of living crisis and the lack of citizen involvement in decision-making. The government defended the bill as a necessary measure to pay off the country’s huge debt and promised to consult citizens in key decisions, however, driven by the energy and ambition of young men and women, young people believe that corruption and poor governance are the real culprits for the high cost of living. They are asking President William Ruto to address these issues instead of overtaxing citizens.

The same reports reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the government among Nigeria’s youth, who complained about a threefold increase in food prices. Nigeria’s youth also took to the streets for ten days of protests under the theme #EndBadGovernance, denouncing the high cost of living. The country has been plagued by inflation, which has been further exacerbated by the removal of expensive fuel subsidies and a series of currency devaluations. While each protest is driven by unique factors, they have something in common: a growing young population facing high inflation, a shortage of quality jobs, and a political class that lacks trust. These young people, who have benefited from technological developments and are therefore more educated than previous generations, are proactively demanding better leaders and better institutions.

While not all of these revolutions are worthy of emulation, some are. Young people in these countries are increasingly participating in politics, not only as voters but also as candidates. They are at the forefront of advocacy, providing valuable insights into how other countries can tap into the potential of their younger generations.
Lessons from the Global Youth Revolution

By observing and drawing inspiration from the determination and resilience of these youth movements, Somalia’s youth can become key players in driving growth and development in our country. The achievements of our neighbors and our own history remind us that we too have the potential to be the change-makers our country needs. We, the leaders of Somalia, should draw valuable lessons from these experiences and successes and recognize the importance of involving the younger generation in decision-making, leadership, and development.

By using social media and other digital platforms to educate citizens and mobilize quickly and effectively, young people are demonstrating that leaders can not only understand inclusion, but also how to engage with young people on these platforms, understand their concerns, and include their voices in decision-making processes.

Another important lesson from the youth revolution is the value of investing in education and skills development. In Bangladesh, young people took to the streets to fight for fair job distribution and the abolition of a quota system that dictated that 30% of government jobs must be allocated to the descendants of liberation leaders. University students and young professionals viewed the quota as unfair and believed that jobs and opportunities should be allocated based on merit and education.

The quota issue is just the tip of the iceberg of economic and political discontent in Bangladesh. Their broader concerns include inflation, a weak job market for college graduates and widespread corruption. The protests in Bangladesh have highlighted the critical role that education plays in empowering young people to challenge systemic problems and hold leaders accountable.

Similarly, Kenya’s investment in education and vocational training has enabled the country’s youth to contribute meaningfully in various fields. This empowerment enabled them to identify the negative aspects of the proposed fiscal bill and actively participate in social advocacy, which ultimately led to the bill’s withdrawal.

These examples illustrate the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills and knowledge. Educated and skilled young people are better equipped to recognize and solve social problems, hold leaders accountable, and drive meaningful change. The experiences of Bangladesh and Kenya show that investing in education is not just about personal development, but about creating a generation of young people who can stand up for their rights and shape the future of their country.

These global revolutions offer valuable lessons not only for Somalia’s youth, but for us as a nation as a whole. Going forward, it is critical to develop policies that lower the barriers to youth participation in politics. By doing so, we can revitalize the political landscape with new ideas and perspectives.

By observing the determination and resilience of youth movements in countries like Bangladesh and Kenya, we see the transformative power that occurs when young people are empowered and engaged. Their active participation has led to significant changes, such as Bangladesh’s challenge to an unfair job allocation system and Kenya’s withdrawal of an unfavorable fiscal bill.

For Somalia, these lessons underscore the importance of creating an inclusive political environment where young people’s voices are heard and valued. As a nation, we must recognize that the energy and innovative thinking of youth is essential to our country’s progress. By implementing policies that promote youth participation, providing platforms for youth engagement, and ensuring fair representation, we can foster a more dynamic and responsive political system.

Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of young people can further inspire others and highlight the positive impact of young people’s contributions. Using technology to connect and engage with young people can amplify their voices and promote their participation in governance and development programs. Social media and digital platforms are powerful tools to mobilize and educate citizens, providing leaders with opportunities to understand young people’s concerns and include their voices in decision-making processes.

Investing in education and skills development is another critical step. An educated and skilled youth population is better equipped to identify and address societal challenges, assert their rights, and contribute to national development. By prioritizing these areas, we can ensure that our young people are not only prepared to take on leadership roles, but also motivated to do so.

Ultimately, the experience of youth movements around the world tells us that real change is possible when young people have the opportunity to fully participate in the political process. As leaders, it is our responsibility to create the conditions for this participation to flourish and ensure a brighter future for all.

Mr. Sadik Warfa is an International Relations, Governance and Labour Adviser and a former Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Member of the Federal Parliament for the Mudug constituency in Somalia.