Political unrest includes strikes, demonstrations, and other popular movements that are fueled by an underlying discontent with policy or the action of governmental authorities. While a variety of factors can lead to political unrest, the most common causes include economic issues such as high unemployment and insufficient government-provided services and resentment arising from racial or social injustices. In addition to these issues, societal hazards such as environmental shocks can also trigger political unrest (ACLED, 2019).
The underlying causes of unrest can vary from country to country but are often connected to a wide range of other underlying issues. For example, the riots that broke out in Uganda in 2009-11 could not be reduced to food riots alone but were fuelled by a macro-economic conjuncture of double-digit inflation, rising oil prices, falling purchasing power and 86% youth unemployment (New Vision, 2011).
These factors can be exacerbated by the failure of donor-supported procedural democratization mechanisms to bolster confidence in government institutions and to open up space for participation. They can also be compounded by climate change which threatens livelihoods, displaces populations and intensifies competition for dwindling resources.
The resentment triggered by these broader conditions can be galvanised by high-profile incidents of violence or discrimination. In addition, movements aimed at addressing racial or social justice can have peaceful aims but can sometimes escalate into large-scale protests or even violent confrontations when state authorities appear unwilling to address their demands. These societal and political forces can be further magnified by the growing use of social media to communicate.