Is An African Spring Now Underway?

Charlie Mitchell, The National: It might be too early to declare an African Spring – but leaders are being toppled in their droves

In recent months, a trend has emerged with leaders across the continent falling victim to their greed or being brought down by their own parties.

Ethiopia swore in a new prime minister this week after an overhaul within the ruling party. To onlookers, the transition of power to Abiy Ahmed might seem insignificant. But seen in the context of a continent in flux, it reflects what some are calling the African Spring.

Young and energetic, Mr Abiy's appointment ends a political crisis that has gripped Africa’s oldest independent nation since the surprise resignation of his predecessor Hailemariam Desalegn in February.

Mr Hailemariam’s departure followed two years of public protests against the country’s beleaguered ruling coalition, which has dominated national politics since 1991. Amid a state of emergency, hundreds of protesters were killed. Thousands more were arrested.

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WNU Editor: Too early to say where all of this political change in Africa will lead to. The tribal/sectarian/religious conflicts and animosities that have dominated Africa for much of its history  are still there .... and the population explosion it is experiencing right now will produce a new generation with needs and expectations that I doubt its leaders will be able to provide.