The impact of conflict and war in Africa and the power of youth to bring about change: In conversation with Georges Theodore Dougnon and Sylvain Obedi

The conversation explores the impact of war and conflict on the lives of young people in Mali and Congo. It highlights the experiences of Georges from Mali and Sylvain from Congo, who share their personal stories and the challenges they face in their respective countries. The youth in Mali are deeply affected by the conflict, with many being involved in armed groups and experiencing the closure of schools and lack of opportunities. In Congo, the ongoing war has led to displacement, insecurity, and a high number of disabled individuals. Both George and Sylvain are actively engaged in peacebuilding and advocacy work to bring about positive change in their communities. The conversation explores the challenges faced by youth in conflict-affected countries like Mali and Congo, focusing on the lack of access to education and the exclusion of youth from decision-making processes. The average age of the population in these countries is young, presenting an opportunity for positive change. However, the closure of schools and the displacement of children and young people have hindered their access to education. Online education is not a viable solution due to limited internet access. The youth feel unheard and excluded from decision-making processes, leading to frustration and a sense of powerlessness. The conversation emphasizes the need for youth to be included in decision-making and for their voices to be heard. The power of youth lies in their ability to bring about change and transform their communities. Economic empowerment and dialogue for peace are key to changing the narrative of war and conflict. The message to institutions and governments is to trust young people, involve them in peace processes, and invest in their development instead of weapons.

Keywords

War, conflict, youth, Mali, Congo, impact, displacement, insecurity, opportunities, peacebuilding, advocacy, youth, conflict-affected countries, education, exclusion, decision-making, frustration, powerlessness, online education, internet access, unheard, inclusion, change, economic empowerment, dialogue for peace, institutions, governments

Takeaways

-War and conflict have a profound impact on the lives of young people in Mali and Congo, leading to displacement, insecurity, and limited opportunities.

-Youth in Mali are heavily involved in armed groups and face challenges such as the closure of schools and lack of employment.

-In Congo, the war has resulted in a high number of disabled individuals and widespread insecurity.

-Both George and Sylvain are actively engaged in peacebuilding and advocacy work to address the challenges faced by young people in their communities. Youth in conflict-affected countries face challenges such as lack of access to education and exclusion from decision-making processes.

-The closure of schools and displacement of children and young people have hindered their access to education.

-Online education is not a viable solution due to limited internet access.

-Youth feel unheard and excluded from decision-making processes, leading to frustration and a sense of powerlessness.

-Youth have the power to bring about change and transform their communities.

-Economic empowerment and dialogue for peace are key to changing the narrative of war and conflict.

-Institutions and governments should trust young people, involve them in peace processes, and invest in their development instead of weapons.

Chapters

- Introduction to War and Peace in Africa

-The Impact of War on Youth in Mali

-Challenges Faced by Young People in Congo

-Engaging in Peacebuilding and Advocacy

-Youth Perspectives on the Conflict

-The Limitations of Online Education in Conflict Zones

-The Frustration and Powerlessness of Unheard Youth

-The Power of Youth to Bring About Change

-Economic Empowerment and Dialogue for Peace

-The Importance of Trusting and Including Young People in Decision-Making