Cameroon’s Civil Society Leader and Founder of the Denis Miki Foundation, Emily Epeti Miki, has urged African governments to move beyond symbolic youth representation and give young people real influence in governance and public decision-making.
Speaking after the Third African Union Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Accra, Ghana, Miki argued that sustainable peace and democratic stability will only be achieved when young people are treated as partners in leadership rather than passive participants.
“Young Africans must not simply be represented—they must be trusted with leadership and decision-making responsibilities. Building peaceful, democratic, and resilient societies requires governments and institutions to intentionally create opportunities for youth to shape policies that affect their future,” she said.
Miki made the call while representing Cameroon, the Denis Miki Foundation and the African Union’s FemWise-Africa network at the continental forum, which convened government officials, policymakers, civil society organisations, youth leaders and development partners to explore strategies for strengthening constitutional governance and preventing unconstitutional changes of government.
Her intervention comes as civil society organisations across Africa continue to advocate for stronger democratic institutions, greater civic participation and inclusive governance that gives young people and women a meaningful voice in shaping public policy.
The Denis Miki Foundation said it remains committed to working with governments, civil society and regional institutions to advance democratic governance, peacebuilding, youth leadership and sustainable development across Cameroon and the African continent.
By Yanick Ndeley
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