Panel discussion with Stéphanie Bationo, Cheikh Fall, Brock Isaac Muhambya and Thiat

All around the continent of Africa there has been a proliferation of social movements which, in line with other global movements, are seeking to achieve better democracies in their countries. This is not the first time that Africa has been a focus of reference in the development of social movements. The Arab Spring movements in North Africa had repercussions around the world, inspiring phenomena like Occupy Wall Street and 15M in Spain. Today, groups like LUCHA, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Balai Citoyen, in Burkina Faso, and Y’en a Marre in Senegal, which are based on new technological opportunities, street mobilisations, and cultural connections, are working to transform society. Moreover, broader initiatives like Africtivistes, which operates on the continental scale, are weaving a network of solidarity and irradiating the energy of change everywhere.