1. In recent years Africa has seen rise in extremist groups, child soldiers and all
sorts of armed violence. The number of young people involved in illegal business
and illicit behavior has increased. Presently the continent has the youngest
population in the world but with bizarre youth policies. The policies, instead of
equipping young people with practical knowledge and skills, they make them
somewhat vulnerable to extremist and rebel groups.
Young people, being the continent’s majority demographic group, deserve the
most attention and involvement in the political, social and economic affairs of
their continent but alas, there is hardly any attention given to them. From
regional bodies to national governments, the youth are not prioritized which
poses a big threat to Africa’s future. The African Union Commission (AUC) has no
actual or effective youth programs and policies. Many sectors at the AUC are
allocated departments but the critical sector of the youth is dwarfed as a division
within the Human Resources and Science Department, and moreover, run by
three officers. Imagine three officers in charge of millions of young people on a
continent with over 54 nations! It is a great cause of concern, is it not?
The role and mandate of the youth division is ambiguous, not to mention
that the youth it is serving are hardly aware of its existence! The Youth Division
mandated a continental youth body (PYU) to manage and oversee the affairs of
young people on the continent, but again, the youth are hardly aware of it except
for a handful that form the National Youth Councils (NYCs). The NYC as the name
suggests, is supposed to nationally bring together young people and foster
national development but that’s far from what it does. Most NYCs, if not all, are
composed of junior ruling party cadres from the Youth League.
Most of the youth policies from the African Youth Charter that were
adopted by heads of state in Gambia in 2006, were not consultative or

2. participatory. Many African youth policies are based on assumptions and 20th
century youth experiences. They are politicized instead of being socially driven
and approached. Young people only hear about their concerns during election
time when politicians are promising them heaven and earth which highly raises
youth expectations. The most common promise or what politicians call, a youth
policy, is job creation.
Young people are promised an ocean of jobs every five years but the ocean
turns out to be a teacup! Politicians and youth policy makers never think of the
negative impact their empty promises and non-implemented youth policies have
on the youth. After suffering consistent disappointment from leaders and
watching their policies catch dust year after year on shelves, young people resort
to desperate means and decisions.
It is a known fact that young people are the majority on the continent, but
issues affecting them are discussed, addressed and handled by a minority of
people who are not facing youth-related challenges. During regional
meetings/events at AU headquarters at UN missions among others, youth are
either involved in inconsequential side events or selectively picked to play a silent
listening and observing role as the elders are discussing issues. In a situation
where the event is purely youth-related, there is no post-event action plan. This
type of arrangement leaves organizers/hosts satisfied and reports submitted.
What do the youth do upon completion of such events? They also realize that
they are used to create a false impression that youth interests are evenly
represented and to justify budgets. During and upon completion of such events
the youth go shopping, return to their countries, share memories with their
families and go on with their lives. The youth they supposedly represent never get
to hear anything about the events their representative attended.
There’s a big gap between the youth and their governments and also
between the youth and regional bodies. Governments and regional bodies are
aware of this, but they feel the youth’s interests aren’t a priority to them. Yes, on
paper and during public addresses young people are among their priorities, but in
action and implementation of policies that is far from the truth. Africa’s young

3. people are like sheep without a shepherd. They’re neglected, manipulated and
used as raw materials for political campaign agendas.
Young people are joining armed groups in desperation for different reasons, not
because they want to, but mainly due to the confusion created by people and
institutions claiming to care for them. Governments and regional bodies hardly
offer anything for them but extremist and rebel groups do offer something for the
youth. The youth leave where they are not wanted and go where they are
welcome. Governments and regional bodies make them idle, extremist groups
make them active. The African youth policies, political system, up-bottom
approach are driving our youth to desperate behavior. They increase and fuel
their vulnerability.
All isn’t lost
For Africa’s future to be well forecasted, governments and regional bodies must
stop turning a deaf ear and blind eye to the pleas of the continent’s majority
group of people. It is almost futile for us to continue discussing and speaking
regional integration of Africa and Africa’s future, whilst purposely continuing to
neglect and overlook the role and involvement of young people who still have
more years to live than the continent’s minority group which is at the centre of all
policies.
It’s not too late to change the approach and methodology of driving the African
agenda. If all Africans regardless of age, sex, religion, tribe and nationality equally
work together, there is a good future for Africa. I recommend the following to be
urgently taken into consideration for Africa to be more pro-people and put an end
to age prejudice:
Youth policies should be driven and championed by the youth and must be
consultative.
Grassroot Youth should be extended opportunities to engage at national and
regional levels.
Side events and selective representation must be replaced with active
participation and grassroot engagements.

4. Civic education must be reintroduced at all levels of society.
All young Africans in key areas such as leadership, education, business,
entrepreneurship and civic engagement should receive mentorship.
Grassroots, urban and regional youth formations need to be supported.
A clear and achievable post-event action plan must always be available prior to
inviting young people.
Affordable quality education for all.
Bureaucracy should be reduced or cut (the youth need clear and proper
communication channels to their leaders).
The AUC must hold governments accountable.
Mr. Tim Mugerwa – President of the African Youth Union