Ibrahim Traoré, 36, of Burkina Faso is the youngest military ruler in the continent. (Alexey Danichev/AFP/Sputnik)
An Afrobarometer survey reveals that 56% of African youth are accepting of military takeovers in response to abusive elected leaders. The survey also indicates that 60% of young people are dissatisfied with the functioning of democracy in their countries, and 40% believe that democratically elected leaders are corrupt.
The report, “African insights 2024: Democracy at risk – the people’s perspective,” highlights the willingness of African youth to tolerate military rulers, with 56% in the 18-35 age group accepting military takeovers as a response to power abuse. This acceptance is higher than among older citizens.
The data, based on 53,444 face-to-face interviews in 39 countries, also identifies four of Africa’s youngest military rulers. These leaders rose to power amidst dissatisfaction with democracy in the Sahel region due to corruption and economic mismanagement by civilian governments.
The Afrobarometer findings underscore the priorities of African youth, emphasizing the urgent need for government action on unemployment and economic management. The resurgence of military coups in recent years reflects a demand for change among disillusioned youth.