It is fairly common that we see news reports in the media of violent public protests in many parts of the world......
The protests in the United States around police brutality allegedly targeting black citizens, the protests in South Africa relating to poor service delivery, the killings in Nigeria by members of the military, the many student protests over a range of grievances,are just a few of the numerous examples.Even the restrictions on movement imposed by the threats of COVID-19 infections are not sufficient to reduce the incidence of violent protests which often result in loss of lives, destruction of property and untold hardship for many.
Any action designed to damage or destroy valuable resources, or life, is drastic. In most cases the action is planned. The organizers are hoping for a specific outcome. Violent protests are often orchestrated by people who have a definite agenda. The “brains” behind the action find willing participants, and select the circumstances that lead to confrontation.They find people who are willing (or desperate enough)to put themselves at risk for the “cause”. Frequently the organizers are either in a safe zone, or not present at all.
The author argues that most leaders who are confronted with having to deal with the violent protests are aware of these realities.Whether or not the intended outcomes are achieved is often unpredictable. The reality is that violence begets violence, and the severity of the response by those who are threatened can often not be foreseen. So, in terms of achievement of objectives, violent protest is often a risky strategy.The “cause”is usually focused on issues that affect a lot of people, like student fees,unemployment, lack of housing for the poor, inadequate service delivery by government entities, group discrimination, HIV-aids treatment.
Governments have a responsibility to address these issues, and therefore, the way these protests are managed can have huge impact on the credibility of the leaders. After all, it is the leaders’ role to give instructions to law-enforcement agencies such as the police or army to deal with the protests.The authorities that have to “manage” these protests usually recognize this.It is their task to deal with the protests in such a way as to minimize residual damage.
However, if that is all they attempt to do, containing the destruction, the author argues that they are failing as leaders.An analysis of the way these protests are often dealt with gives the impression that the leaders consider them an irritable interruption to a “normal”business routine. After all, the leaders have to deal with VERY IMPORTANT issues, such as re-building an economy that has taken a massive knock due to the pandemic, preparing for the next election or devising strategies on how to create new jobs. There is a host of PRIORITY issues that demand their attention.
This is where leadership skill is tested. If handled poorly, the protests can mean the end of the leader’s tenure, if not his/her career. On the other hand, if handled judiciously, the protest can be a stepping stone to progress.For a person, such as those taking part in the violent protest, to put their bodies in the firing line, the issue for which they do this, must be VERY SERIOUS.Leaders need to recognize this, and they ignore this at their peril.So,what are some of the techniques that will lead to positive outcomes?It needs to be acknowledged, that the issue that sets off a violent protest is SERIOUS.The violence needs to be contained as soon as possible, but in a disciplined, humane manner. Most importantly,the issue CANNOT BE IGNORED.
It will have to be addressed. Mechanisms and structures need to be put in place whereby affected parties have the opportunity to get their grievances heard. This is often the difference between “fighting fires”and finding a long-term solution, and reflects the quality of leadership.While violent protests, unfortunately,are part of our current reality,careful thought and investigation regarding the causes, as well as the long-term implications if they are not resolved, is needed.
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