Youth urged to take actions towards peacebuilding, good governance.

The call was made by the Executive Director of not-for-profit organization, Local Youth Corner, LOYOC, Achaleke Christian Leke. He made the call on Thursday, March 5, 2026. This was during National Youth Breakfast in Yaounde. The event brought together young leaders, civil society actors and other stakeholders. 

Achaleke who doubles as Commissioner of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, CONAC, focused his keynote address on the critical role young people must play, not only as beneficiaries of development initiatives, but as architects of peace, accountability and inclusive governance. 

The African Union Youth Ambassador remarked that sustainable peace and effective governance cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of young people. 

According to Achaleke, too often, young people are framed in security discussions as vulnerable or easily manipulated, yet across communities in Cameroon, young people are already leading initiatives that promote dialogue, social cohesion, civic engagement and community resilience. 

“What is needed now is not simply recognition, but greater institutional space, trust and investment in youth-led solutions,” he added. 

Achaleke highlighted three critical shifts that must happen if advancing youth participation in peace governance is taken considerably. 

The Youth Ambassador stated that first, youth inclusion must move beyond symbolic representation towards meaningful decision-making power. 

“Young people should not only be consulted but should actively co-create policies and programmes that affect their future,” he stated. 

“Second, we must invest in civic leadership and governance literacy among young people,” he added. 

Achaleke noted that skills in mediation, policy analysis, accountability mechanisms, and public leadership are essential if the youth are to effectively influence governance processes. 

“Third, institutions, both public and private, must intentionally support and provide resources to youth-led organisations and initiatives, to innovate solutions to complex challenges,” he said. 

Achaleke further noted that conversation on youth empowerment and participation in peacebuilding and governance must continue, translating into concrete actions that expand opportunities for youth leadership.

The discussions that followed the keynote address reaffirmed a shared understanding that the future of peace, stability and democratic governance in societies will depend largely on whether young people are empowered to participate meaningfully today. 

By Maybelle Kona

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3726 of Monday March 09, 2026