African Youth Leaders & Activists Unite to Address Democratic Disconnect at the 2024 Pan African Youth Conference in Oran, Algeria

The FES AU office, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, has organised a side session on the occasion of the 2024 Pan African Youth Forum (PAYF) under the auspices of "Democratic Youth Disconnect in Africa: Dangers and Recourse." During the session, panelists from Cameroun, Nigeria, Kenya, and Zimbabwe have shared their insights and perspectives about the state of youth and democracy in Africa and specific solutions addressing the root causes. The event, which was part of the 2024 Pan African Youth Conference, highlighted the urgency of reconnecting African youth with formal democratic structures. Drawing participants from diverse backgrounds and countries, the session underscored the current socio-political climate in Africa—a period marked by significant upheavals, including a series of military coups, increased restrictions on freedoms, and political instability in several regions. These developments have contributed to a growing sense of disillusionment among Africa’s youth, who often feel excluded from political systems that appear unresponsive to their demands for change.

Recognizing this widening gap, the session focused on exploring the root causes of the democratic disconnect, identifying how recent shifts in governance and political power are impacting young Africans' engagement in democracy. With 64% of youth still favouring democracy over other forms of government, according to a recent Afrobarometer survey, the discussion centred on why this preference isn’t translating into active democratic participation. Panelists and attendees alike reflected on how disillusionment with formal electoral systems has led many young people to turn instead to social activism and grassroots movements as vehicles for change.

Mr. Amanuel Desalegne Haile, Program Manager at FES AU, who served as moderator, set the stage by emphasizing the critical role young people play in achieving the African Union's Agenda 2063 and building a sustainable future for the continent. He highlighted how recent political turmoil has exacerbated the disconnect between youth and democratic governance and underscored the need to develop pathways for re-engaging youth meaningfully in formal democratic structures.

The session provided a platform for young leaders and stakeholders to delve deeply into the factors driving this shift away from formal political participation and to explore actionable strategies for fostering a more engaged, politically active generation. With a shared goal of creating a politically empowered generation, the session also spotlighted innovative approaches to strengthen youth involvement in governance, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and representative democratic system across Africa. So far, African political leadership and space are overwhelmingly dominated by men aged 65 and above. As both Agenda 2063 and the African Youth Charter call for African youths to play a central role in taking the continent forward, however, there has been a limited political commitment and willingness by African member states to implement those policies, and if there is any, it is more symbolic than organic steps.