In Africa, the youth population is growing at an unprecedented rate, bringing with it a range of opportunities and challenges. One of the biggest challenges for the youth is the pervasive violence and conflict that continues to plague many parts of the continent. However, the youth are not just victims of violence, they are also key actors in preventing and resolving it. Despite their crucial role in building peaceful and prosperous communities, the voices of African youth are often unheard, marginalized, or ignored. That is why initiatives such as Youth Voices for Peace have emerged to empower the next generation of African leaders.
Youth Voices for Peace is a youth-led organization that was founded in 2008 in post-conflict Liberia with the aim of creating a platform for young people to express their views on peace and security issues affecting their communities. Since then, the organization has expanded to other African countries such as Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Ghana, and has become a leading voice for youth in peacebuilding across the continent.
The approach of Youth Voices for Peace is grounded in the belief that young people have unique perspectives, skills, and energy that can be harnessed to contribute to peace and security. Through various activities such as dialogues, debates, advocacy campaigns, mentorship programs, and leadership training, the organization seeks to engage, educate, and empower youth to take action for peace in their communities.
One of the notable achievements of Youth Voices for Peace was its participation in the negotiations that led to the signing of the Accra Peace Agreement in 2015, which ended the long-standing conflict between the government of Mali and some rebel groups. The organization was invited to join the negotiating team as a youth observer, and its input was instrumental in shaping the provisions of the agreement that addressed the concerns of young people, such as education, employment, and political participation.
Another example of Youth Voices for Peace’s impact was its #IAmPeace campaign, which aimed to counter the extremist narratives that fuel violence and intolerance in Africa. The campaign involved young people from different countries who shared messages of tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence through social media, art, music, and sport. The campaign was widely popular and attracted the attention of international organizations such as the United Nations, which recognized it as a model of youth-led peacebuilding.
The success of Youth Voices for Peace shows that young people are not just passive recipients of violence and conflict, but active agents of change who can contribute to building a more peaceful and just world. However, for them to fully realize their potential, they need to have access to education, employment, and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes. They also need to be recognized and supported by governments, civil society, and the international community as equal partners in peacebuilding.
In conclusion, Youth Voices for Peace is an inspiring example of how youth-led initiatives can make a difference in promoting peace and security in Africa. By empowering the next generation of African leaders, the organization is creating a ripple effect of positive change that will benefit not only young people but also their communities and the continent as a whole. It is time for everyone to listen to the voices of African youth and to invest in their future as agents of peace.