As the year 2025 drew to a close, many African nations found themselves grappling with a series of political upheavals that tested the resilience of their democratic institutions. From violent protests in Tanzania to military coups in West Africa, the continent witnessed a concerning erosion of hard-won democratic progress.
The events in Tanzania proved to be a particularly shocking snapshot of the tensions shaping the region. Protesters were gunned down by police as they demonstrated against what they perceived as a rigged election, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan elected with an overwhelming 98% of the vote. With opposition candidates either imprisoned or barred from running, the country’s reputation for peace and stability was shattered.
Across the continent, a similar pattern emerged, as several countries experienced protests and election disputes. In Malawi, the former leader Peter Mutharika managed to regain the presidency, while in Seychelles, the long-ruling United Seychelles party returned to power. However, these victories were largely attributed to a perceived failure by the incumbents to mitigate the impact of rising inflation.
Elsewhere, the consolidation of power by military-led governments in the Sahel region of West Africa proved to be a significant setback for democracy. Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso all split from the regional bloc ECOWAS, forming a new alliance of military-run states.
The demographic shifts within African societies also played a role in the unfolding political landscape. With the continent boasting the world’s youngest population, a growing number of young people are increasingly demanding to be heard. In Cameroon, for instance, the 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who has held office for 43 years, was sworn in for an eighth term, sparking protests from the country’s youthful population.
However, there were also instances where protests led to tangible change. In Madagascar, weeks of youth-led demonstrations against poor service delivery forced the country’s President Andry Rajoelina to sack his entire cabinet. The protests continued, ultimately leading to Rajoelina’s ouster in a coup.
Analysts believe that these demonstrations could become a more common feature of African politics, as citizens grow increasingly disillusioned with their governments’ inability to address pressing issues such as access to healthcare, water, and economic opportunities.
As the new year dawns, the future of democracy in Africa remains uncertain. With Western governments seemingly distracted by crises elsewhere, some African leaders have been emboldened to pursue more authoritarian paths. The coming months will be a critical test for the continent, as its young and increasingly vocal population continues to demand accountability and responsive governance from their leaders.
