Kenyan youth have ignited a powerful wave of inspiration across the African continent, South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has said.
EFF, founded by former African National Congress Youth League President Julius Malema, urged Kenya youth to remain steadfast and resilient until their legitimate demands are fully met.
“The youth of South Africa must not be left behind,” the party said in a statement released on Monday.
EFF said South African Gen-Z must draw strength from the example set by their Kenyan counterparts and realise that they are in the midst of a battle.
“The EFF urges the youth of Kenya to stay strong in their fight for economic justice. Their bravery and determination serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all oppressed people,” the party added.
It said President Cyril Ramaphosa, instead of addressing the genuine concerns raised on the youth during debates on his parliamentary address, dismissed the EFF as rude, rowdy, and disrespectful.
“He failed to address any of the crucial issues our young MPs brought to light,” the party said.
The party advised Ramaphosa to take a hard lesson from this and recognise the urgent need to engage with the voices of the younger generation.
EFF said it proudly stands in solidarity with the courageous youth of Kenya who rose against the Finance Bill that sought to impose immense tax hikes on the people.
“We congratulate the youth for their relentless struggle, which has led to the complete scrapping of the Bill and the dissolution of President William Ruto's entire Cabinet," EFF said.
The party condemned the Kenyan police's use of intelligence organisations to suppress the protests, which have now escalated to a call for Ruto himself to resign.
“The brutal killing of young protesters, both with live ammunition and through clandestine operations targeting youth leaders, is an egregious violation of human rights,” the party added.
It said the lives at least lost since the protests began is a stark reminder of the lengths to which oppressive regimes will go to maintain power.
“The EFF also notes with disdain the offer of a government of national unity with opposition forces as a response to the youth's demands for Ruto's resignation and better leadership,” it said.
