In 2024, several long-governing liberation parties in Southern Africa faced challenges in maintaining power as younger voters prioritized government performance over historic credentials. This shift in political dynamics was evident in countries such as Botswana, where the ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party, lost power after 58 years following economic challenges and rising youth unemployment. Similarly, in South Africa, the African National Congress lost its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.
In Namibia, the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) narrowly retained its parliamentary majority, with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah becoming the country’s first female president. Despite this, the party’s dwindling support suggested a changing political landscape in the region. Political researchers noted that while democratic processes in Southern Africa remained relatively stable, ruling parties had reasons to be concerned about growing discontent among citizens.
In Mozambique, protests erupted following the extension of the governing Frelimo party’s nearly half-century in power, resulting in the deaths of at least 100 people. Exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane challenged the election outcome in court and continued to call for protests to challenge the ruling party’s grip on power. Similar unrest was witnessed in Comoros, where President Azali Assoumani’s fourth term victory sparked violent demonstrations, highlighting growing dissent among the population.
Across the region, elections swept away ruling parties, including in Mauritius where an opposition coalition took over the government, and in Senegal where a 44-year-old leader emerged as the continent’s youngest head of state. In Ghana, former President John Dramani Mahama returned to power, signaling a shift in public sentiment against outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo’s policies. These political changes reflected the desires of a growing youth population in Africa for responsive and accountable governance.
Political scientists emphasized the importance of generational change in shaping the region’s political landscape, highlighting the need for ruling parties to adapt to the evolving demands of younger voters. Despite the challenges faced by long-governing liberation parties, the consistency of democratic standards in Southern Africa provided hope that citizens’ voices could effectively influence political outcomes. The upcoming years will likely witness further shifts in power dynamics, as African countries navigate economic challenges, youth unemployment, and demands for good governance.
