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Article 17 of the African Youth Charter, adopted by the 7th Ordinary Session of AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government held in Banjul, The Gambia, on 2 July 2006 recognizes the important role of the youth in promoting peace and security in Africa.  African youth play important role at national, regional and Continental levels in contributing towards the promotion of peace, security and stability, as well as development in Africa, within the framework of implementation of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by the Year 2020, and Aspiration number 4 of Agenda 2063, as well as UN Security Council resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018). According to the United Nations, 226 million youth aged 15-24 lived in Africa in 2015 which is nearly 20% of Africa’s population, making up one fifth of the world’s youth population. Including the people aged below 35, this number increases to a staggering three quarters of Africa’s population. Moreover, the share of Africa’s youth in the world is forecasted to increase to 42% by 2030 and is expected to continue to grow throughout the remainder of the 21st century, more than doubling from current levels by 2055. This population offers a powerful opportunity for fast-tracked economic growth and innovation and at the same time presents economic and social challenges, as well as implications for peace and security. Current evidence tells the youth continue to constitute the core of combatants, while also representing a significant number of those affected by armed conflicts, violent extremism, banditry, violent protests and gender-based violence in Africa. The participation of young people in armed conflicts in Africa and elsewhere reflects a variety of unmet needs including socio-economic development and opportunities; good governance, rule of law, democracy, and human rights; justice and reconciliation; and meaningful representation and participation in decision-making processes… Read more