Continental corruption the biggest issue for African youth
Corruption is now front and centre in the minds of youth in the rest of the continent.Africa’s youth have bounced back from the ravages of COVID 19, but they aren’t happy with the direction their governments are taking. They are unafraid to speak out and they are unequivocal about what the greatest threat to their futures is – corruption.Corruption is now front and centre in the minds of youth in the rest of the continent. They believe that corruption in their countries is robbing them of their birth right; the single greatest hurdle they face to achieve their own potential and achieve the better life that was denied their parents and their grandparents. Most of all, they don’t believe their governments are doing enough to address this scourge and because of it almost 60% are looking to emigrate in the next five years, with North America being the top destination of choice followed by Western Europe, where France, UK, Germany and Spain are the top destinations.This concern with corruption is a key finding of the 2024 edition of the African Youth Survey, the third iteration of the unique biennial survey of African youths aged between 18 and 24. For this edition, 5 604 youths were interviewed in 16 countries. Since its inception in 2020, researchers have gauged the sentiments of more than 14 000 respondents across Africa, collectively representing 84% of the continent – on a variety of a different issues from their hopes and aspirations to their most pressing concerns.The youth want change. They want tougher sanctions against corrupt politicians, including banning them from standing for office. They also want a different form of government. The youth still believe in democracy (69%), but they are turning away from the western concept of democracy in favour of an African infused system (60%) that will deliver the results they desire. More alarmingly, nearly one in three believe that non-democratic systems, from the military or one-party rule, could be preferable under certain circumstances.The youth also want jobs – and if not jobs, then the opportunity to create their own. They are concerned about their countries being exploited by foreign companies especially their natural mineral wealth being mined and exported without any further benefit to the people from where those resources have been extracted.From a global perspective, China continues to have the most positive perception among African youth, closely followed by the US with Russia making significant strides since the previous survey in 2022. The Survey explored the impact of the Ukraine-Russia War on the continent, revealing that a majority of youth blames Western powers for the conflict, suggesting that Russia is gaining the upper hand in the public relations battle through misinformation and fake news campaigns.While the youth believe their leaders should be consulted when it comes to the world’s problems less than half believe their countries should take stronger stances on the current wars in Ukraine and Gaza.They believe Russian president Vladimir Putin will becoming one of the most influential leaders in Africa soon, while a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming US presidential elections will be a far worse outcome for Africa, than his opponent.“The African Youth Survey continues to build on the promise it showed when we launched it four years ago,” says industrialist and philanthropist Ivor Ichikowitz, whose Ichikowitz Family Foundation conceptualised and funds the survey.The survey is creating an invaluable body of knowledge that is indispensable for both local political leaders, multinational companies, and global Aid NGOs when it comes to policy direction, investment, and aid programmes in a post COVID world, he says.“As we move ever deeper into the epoch that was dubbed the African Century only 25 years ago, it is becoming clearer about what needs to be done to make this a reality by unlocking the potential that lies within Africa and properly, organically and sustainably harnessing it to the benefit not just of the people who live here, but to the whole world too.“Almost a third of the continent will go to the polls in 2024 it is vital to have an idea of what is going to happen – and to understand why when it does. In a continent like Africa, with the age of its population, the youth are a far more important factor than anywhere else on the globe. How the rest of the world will respond to the voices of Africa’s youth will shape the future of the planet.”Relatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/news/2024/09/continental-corruption-the-biggest-issue-for-african-youth.html
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum