On November 19, the Peacemakers Network’s Africa Working Group (AWG) held its final meeting of the year, focusing on the youth’s vital role in peacebuilding and P/CVE. The Peacemakers Network collaborates with the iDove – Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism, an intercontinental platform that facilitates exchange and learning among youth engaged in P/CVE and fostering social cohesion. iDove comprises approximately 150 members from 49 countries world-wide. During the Africa Working Group, two iDovers shared their experiences on youth’s role in P/CVE, followed by small group discussions on the topic.

iDovers, Olaniyi Olayemi from Nigeria and Muna Ismail Adhan from Kenya, shared their insights on the role of youth in P/CVE and emphasized the importance of meaningful youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes. Mr. Olayemi remarked that young males, often seen as contributors to violent extremist groups, must also be actively engaged as part of the solution. Mr. Olayemi outlined several roles that youth can play in P/CVE, including political activism, humanitarian intervention, artisitc expression, the use of social media, investigative journalism, and celebrity influencing. Ms. Adhan, drawing from her experiences, stressed that while youth are not adequately included in efforts to address violent extremism, they remain vital and integral members of their communities. 

Changing Political and Social Contexts

The militarization in Africa, coupled with the rise of extremist groups, is a complex and pressing issue that involves a multitude of factors including political polarization, youth disenfranchisement, corruption, and social disjunction. This backdrop has led to violent protests and recruitment of young people by political and extremist groups to advance their agendas through violence. These factors have directly impacted youth, making them both vulnerable to exploitation and critical to the solutions.

Militarization and Extremist Groups

The proliferation of extremist groups and the increasing militarization of conflict zones have created fertile ground for the recruitment of disillusioned youth.

• In countries such as Kenya, Cameroon, and Uganda, extremist factions and political entities alike exploit economic hardships, lack of education, and political instability to enlist young people in violent activities.

• This trend underscores the urgent need for initiatives that address the root causes of youth vulnerability, particularly in areas affected by ongoing conflict and instability.

Political Polarization and Youth Exclusion

Deepening political polarization across the continent has exacerbated ethnic, religious, and regional tensions.

• While youth engagement in politics is growing, many feel excluded from meaningful decision-making processes.

• This exclusion breeds frustration, fuelling protests and, in some cases, making violent extremist movements appear as viable inefficiency.

Corruption and Discontent

Widespread corruption drains resources intended for development and youth empowerment, leaving the younger generation without adequate opportunities for growth.

• This disillusionment with political systems erodes trust in institutions and creates an environment where violent protests and extremist recruitment flourish.

Social and Religious Divisions

Religious and ethnic divisions are often manipulated by political leaders to maintain power, further fracturing communities.

• In Cameroon, for instance, the Anglophone crisis has led to displacement, unemployment, and escalating violence, highlighting the complex intersection of political, social, and religious divides.

The Impact of Upcoming Elections

With upcoming presidential elections in countries like Uganda and Kenya, existing tensions are only expected to intensify. Rather than fostering peaceful dialogue, electoral campaigns often exacerbate divisions, sometimes using violent tactics to secure power.