Last Thursday, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, as well as other major cities and towns across the country. Their demand was clear: they demanded that lawmakers reject a financial bill imposing new taxes on Kenyan citizens.
This intense protest scene was marked by clashes between demonstrators and police, with striking images of demonstrators returning tear gas canisters thrown by police. These events have crystallized the population’s concerns about the growing financial pressures they face.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in for a second term as president, marking a historic election victory with the support of a coalition of parties, a first in the country’s 30 years of rule.
The investiture ceremony took place solemnly in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, under the watchful eye of South Africans gathered to celebrate this occasion. The image of Ramaphosa being sworn in before Chief Justice Raymond Zondo symbolized a powerful moment in the country’s political history.
The applause and shouts of joy from citizens gathered on this memorable day highlighted the importance of the voice of the people in South African democracy. As the African continent faces various political and economic challenges, these recent events reaffirm the commitment of citizens to defend their rights and actively participate in the political life of their country.