Political unrest is a common phenomenon that involves the outbreak of protests and strikes. It usually reflects a broader feeling of dissatisfaction with government policies and actions. The root cause can vary, but it is typically a result of economic inequality. When wealth is distributed unevenly, some groups feel excluded from political processes and denied access to the benefits of economic growth. These grievances can lead to a loss of faith in government institutions. They also provide a fertile ground for the spread of social discontent.
Moreover, political systems with limited checks and balances are more vulnerable to instability. This is because a lack of transparency creates perceptions of injustice, which can motivate citizens to oppose state authority through peaceful and violent means. The absence of institutional mechanisms to address grievances or channel demands also makes people turn to alternative avenues of expression, such as political activism.
In a country with high levels of poverty and unemployment, political unrest can quickly escalate into civil disturbances. Inflation and shortages of essential goods also fuel such disruptions. This is the case in Zimbabwe, where food inflation reached double digits and purchasing power fell. In addition, a ban on the importation of certain commodities increased the price of staple foods.
While these developments are not new, their scale, scope, and speed have changed. This has led to the emergence of new types of protest movements. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement has embraced violence as a tactic to challenge a perceived system of racial injustice. Other new political movements like the Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil are highlighting the need to address climate change as an urgent priority.