Cameroon’s Youths, Radicalisation, Victimisation and Conflicts: Pathways to Sustainable Peace since 2016

This paper explores the complex role of youths in Cameroon’s conflict landscape, moving beyond narratives of radicalization and victimization to identifying the pathways for sustainable peace. It argues that young people are both perpetrators and victims of conflict, and highlights their potential as agents of peace and development in Cameroon. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive approaches that address the root causes of conflict, such as unemployment and social exclusion, while also promoting education, vocational training, and economic empowerment. Furthermore, it advocates for the inclusion of youths in peacebuilding processes and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of their participation in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous future for Cameroon. The study examines the fact that youths are victims of injuries, displacement, trauma, disruption of education, employment, and social systems, and are vulnerable to poverty, forced recruitment, exploitation, and forced migration. The paper further argues that Cameroon youths are increasingly recognized as critical agents of change, actively involved in peacebuilding initiatives, community dialogue, and reconciliation efforts. They utilize social media and other platforms to mobilize communities, advocate for human rights, and demand accountability for violations. Based on primary and secondary sources, the study concludes that Cameroonian youths are not monolithic, and their experiences within conflict are diverse, encompassing both radicalization and victimization.