Major protests that shook governments in 2024

The reasons were many; from angst against controversial government policies to demands for protection against rape and brutality, some protested against government reign and some protests were purely political.

Regardless, these major events sparked concerns around the world, some causing immediate change in their respective countries and others just sounding a word of caution of what is yet to come if some actions were not taken.

So, we captured some of the major ones, those that shook nations and got the world, particularly the global south talking.

Here is a compilation of these major protests

Bangladesh riots over job quotas, PM’s resignation

Massive protests erupted across Bangladesh in August 2024 after students demanded reforms to a job quota system that reserved 56% of government positions for specific groups, limiting opportunities for many young people. Many youth expressed frustration over rising unemployment and corruption under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 15-year rule, leading to the unrest. Things escalated after a violent crackdown by police and ruling party supporters left over 300 people dead and thousands injured or detained. Despite the Supreme Court scrapping most quotas, anger over the deaths, corruption, and suppressed dissent led protesters to demand Hasina’s resignation. The protests deepened as schools and universities were shut, the internet was cut off, and civil disobedience spread. Hasina eventually resigned and fled the country leading to a change in power.

Kenya anti-government protests

A group of young protesters sparked a revolution in Kenya with a series of protests against President William Ruto’s government in August 2024. The protests were over new taxes in the 2024/2025 Finance Bill, including a 16% levy on bread and a 2.5% tax on vehicles, which many said would worsen the cost of living and hurt small businesses. The unrest, which began in June, left over 50 people dead, with police accused of using live bullets and excessive force. Protesters, led mostly by frustrated youth described as “Gen Z”, demanded better governance, action against corruption, and justice for those killed. Despite withdrawing some taxes, dissolving his cabinet, and appointing opposition leaders to key positions, Ruto’s efforts were dismissed as inadequate, with calls for his resignation growing louder. The protests, were fueled by anger over unfulfilled campaign promises and economic hardship amidst arrests and heavy security.

Pro-Khan protests in Pakistan

Protests erupted across Pakistan in May 2023 after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges, which he claimed were politically motivated. Thousands of his supporters took to the streets, storming government and military facilities in anger, leading to a crackdown by authorities. Nearly 1,400 people were arrested, with 25 recently convicted by military courts and handed sentences of two to 10 years, despite criticism from Amnesty International and human rights groups, who call the trials of civilians in military courts unlawful. The army, which has long held significant influence in Pakistan, says justice will only be complete when the protest organisers are punished, but Khan's allies and critics argue the measures are excessive and aimed at stifling dissent. Khan, ousted in 2022 after losing a confidence vote, continues to accuse the government and military of targeting him and his supporters to silence opposition.

Nationwide protests in India after doctor’s rape and murder

Indian doctors protested in August 2024 after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at a state-run hospital in Kolkata, sparking nationwide outrage over women's safety. The doctor was attacked in a seminar room after a 36-hour shift, with an autopsy confirming sexual assault. Protests, led by healthcare workers and citizens, included candlelight vigils and the "Reclaim the Night" march, demanding justice and safety reforms. Critics accused West Bengal's government of negligence, while the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed the state for fostering insecurity for women. The investigation, initially criticised for police mishandling, was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced measures to improve hospital safety.

Mass protests in Venezuela after election results

Venezuela saw mass protests after President Nicolás Maduro claimed victory in a disputed election on July 29, which the opposition and many international bodies described as fraudulent. Thousands took to the streets of Caracas, chanting for freedom and calling for the government to fall. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, clashing with protesters who ripped down Maduro’s posters and burned them. Opposition leaders, including Edmundo González, who replaced Maria Corina Machado on the ballot after she was banned, argue that he actually won the election by a large margin. The protests led to violence, with reports of killings and arrests, while the government faced growing calls for a fair vote count. International bodies, including the UN and the US, have questioned the results, urging Venezuela to release detailed voting data.

Nigerians take over the streets to protest bad governance

In August 2024, Nigeria saw widespread protests sparked by a deepening economic crisis. The decision by Bola Tinubu’s government to remove fuel and electricity subsidies, along with rising food prices and inflation, hit millions of Nigerians hard. The reforms, aimed at improving the economy, only worsened the situation for many, making basic goods unaffordable. Frustrations became more as food prices soared, including a 50kg bag of rice costing more than the minimum wage. Nigerians took to the streets with at least 13 people killed and hundreds arrested. Demonstrators called for better governance, jobs, and a reversal of the policies, while the government’s response included force and curfews in some areas.

Source: Global South World 

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