NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has sounded the alarm on the potential for widespread youth-led revolutions across Africa, driven by mounting anger and frustration over poor governance.
Appearing on Citizen TV’s ‘JKLive’ show on Wednesday, Obasanjo highlighted the deep-seated issues that plague the continent’s youth, describing the situation as a “ticking time bomb.”
He warned that the combination of unemployment, poverty, and systemic neglect has left young people feeling hopeless and ready to explode.
“They are unemployed, underpowered, and see nothing but hopelessness. In such a situation, what you get from frustrated youth is anger,” Obasanjo stated emphatically.
“If you want to kill any human being, take hope and cut away his life. That is what is happening.”
Drawing a stark parallel with the Arab Spring, Obasanjo coined a chilling phrase: “From the Arab Spring, there will be an African winter.”
He cautioned that if leaders do not address the pressing needs of the youth, the continent could face severe upheaval.
“All of Africa is sitting on a keg of gunpowder because of the youth, and there is virtually no excuse in Africa why the youth are not angry,” he said, underscoring the widespread discontent.
Obasanjo’s remarks follow ongoing anti-government protests in Kenya, where young people have taken to the streets to demand better governance and opportunities.
The former president noted that the disparity between the opulent lifestyles of some leaders and the dire economic conditions of the populace is a significant driver of this unrest.
“If you have nothing to gain, you are jobless, you are not empowered, you are in poverty, and then you see your leaders, some of them in obscene affluence, what do you do?” Obasanjo asked, pointing out the growing resentment among Africa’s youth.
Obasanjo emphasized that without addressing these grievances, the continent could face substantial instability.
