Cameroon's Emily Miki champions youth inclusion as Africa confronts threats to constitutional governance

As concerns over unconstitutional changes of government continue to challenge political stability across Africa, Cameroonian civil society leader Emily Miki has called for greater youth participation in governance, saying inclusive leadership is critical to protecting democracy and preventing conflict.

Emily and participating FemWise-Africa members at the Accra Forum

Emily Miki, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Denis Miki Foundation (DMF) and a member of the African Union's FemWise-Africa network, made the call during the Third African Union Reflection Forum on 'unconstitutional changes of Government held in Accra, Ghana, under the theme, "youth inclusion for Africa stability."

Convened by the African Union, the forum brought together government officials, policymakers, youth leaders, civil society organisations, academics, regional institutions and development partners to examine practical strategies for strengthening constitutional governance and preventing unconstitutional changes of government through inclusive democratic processes.

Representing Cameroon, Emily Miki, participated in discussions alongside policymakers, peacebuilders, women leaders and youth representatives from across the continent on democratic governance, constitutionalism, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and the role of young people in decision making.

Emily Miki with the Chief of Staff for the Presidency of Ghana Julius Debrah, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye

The discussions underscored the growing recognition that sustainable peace and democratic resilience depend on moving young people from the margins of political participation to the centre of policy development and public leadership.

Addressing participants, Emily Miki stressed that effective governance requires stronger collaboration between governments and civil society organisations to create opportunities for meaningful citizen participation.

"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.

She further noted that Africa's democratic institutions can only become stronger through inclusion, accountability, constitutionalism and active citizen participation, particularly by young people.

Emily Miki's participation also highlighted the contribution of FemWise-Africa, the African Union's Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation, which promotes women's leadership in preventive diplomacy, mediation, peace processes and post conflict reconstruction across the continent.

Emily Miki, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Denis Miki Foundation (DMF) during the forum

Through the network, experienced women mediators and peace practitioners support dialogue, conflict prevention and inclusive peacebuilding while working within the African Union Peace and Security Architecture to ensure women's voices remain central to governance and peace initiatives.

For Cameroon, Emily Miki, said the knowledge and partnerships established during the forum would reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen civic participation, youth leadership and democratic governance.

"The lessons and partnerships built in Accra will strengthen our work in Cameroon to promote civic participation, youth leadership, democratic governance and peaceful communities," she said.

Her participation reaffirmed the African Union's commitment to advancing youth leadership, women's empowerment, civic engagement and peacebuilding through strategic partnerships at national, regional and continental levels.

Emily Miki, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Denis Miki Foundation (DMF) at the event center

The Denis Miki Foundation welcomed the African Union's continued investment in dialogue on constitutional governance, describing inclusive governance as a cornerstone for Africa's peace, security and sustainable development.

The Foundation, a Cameroonian non profit organisation, works to promote democratic governance, youth and women's empowerment, civic participation, leadership development, peacebuilding and sustainable community development across Cameroon and beyond.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web with Reports

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