Africa’s youth demand change as old-guard leaders face scrutiny

International relations expert, Advocate Sipho Mantula, says Africa’s challenge of aging leaders clinging to power for decades stems from a combination of political manipulation and voter behaviour.

His remarks come amid renewed debate over long-serving presidents, such as Cameroon’s Paul Biya, and Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF’s proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term until 2030.

On Monday, Cameroon’s Constitutional Council confirmed that the 92-year-old Biya, had secured an eighth consecutive term, extending a rule that began in 1982. In Zimbabwe, the proposed amendment would override the two-term limit set by the country’s Constitution.

Mantula says many African leaders manage to retain power by manipulating constitutions, rigging elections, and exploiting weak democratic institutions.

“Some of these leaders are also manipulating their constitutions; they’re able to go through the parliament, and it is important to also know that yes, the young people of the continent, as we call them, the Generation Z, are also furious in many African states about these elderly leaders or aging elders and leaders of the continent. So the main issue here is the question of succession,” he said.

He adds that citizens also share responsibility, as some continue to vote for the same leaders while others abstain from elections, deepening voter apathy.

Mantula emphasized the need to mentor young leaders and create opportunities for women and youth in politics, warning that without succession planning, entrenched leadership will persist.

In 2025, youth-led protests erupted across several countries as Generation Z demanded political accountability, social justice, and an end to corruption.

In Nepal, students demonstrated against a social media ban and government corruption but faced a violent crackdown. Kenya saw mass protests over tax hikes and government mismanagement, while in Morocco, young people took to the streets over unemployment and social inequality.

In Madagascar, similar demonstrations forced the president to dissolve the government — underscoring a growing global movement of young people challenging entrenched power structures.

Meanwhile, Cameroonians have taken to the streets to protest Paul Biya’s return to the presidency.

If any western country is supporting Paul Biya’s government and still want him to continuebin power then such a foreign country is an enemy of Cameroon and its people. pic.twitter.com/BLrR5UiyW3

— Ola Michael (@OlaMichael45265) October 28, 2025

Pandemonium in Cameroon as the people say no to tyranny!!

There is widespread chaos as voters in Cameroon reject another term being imposed on them by despotic president Paul Biya ! The 93 year old who has ruled Cameroon for decades is facing mountain calls to step down and… pic.twitter.com/snvWgaj9ez

— Breaking News Center🇸🇱🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@newstimeafrica) October 28, 2025

Massive protests erupt in Cameroon as 92 years old President Paul Biya, in power for over four decades, faces allegations of rigging the election to secure an eighth term in office
pic.twitter.com/nXQ1eFsgVb

— Trust Issue (@Tissues_1) October 28, 2025