Editorial: Youth, politics and Africa’s future

Africa's youth are described as its greatest asset, yet too often they are mobilised not to build nations, but to attack opponents and deepen divisions that ultimately benefit a few at the expense of many. Their actions frequently leave communities fractured and development delayed. Africa's youth should be at the forefront of ideas, innovation and accountability, not violence, intimidation and unquestioning loyalty to leaders who exploit them.

Equally troubling is the partisanship that surrounds youth programmes. Opportunities meant to empower all young people are too often distributed along political lines. A child's future should never depend on political affiliation. Africa needs a generation that sees beyond party colours and election cycles. The continent's challenges demand unity, patriotism and a commitment to nationhood. Africa's biggest problem may not be its resources, institutions or leaders, but a generation of young people who are too often encouraged to think not as citizens of the nations they will one day inherit. "The father of a fool hath no joy".

So warns Proverbs 17:21, a timeless reminder that foolish conduct brings sorrow not only to individuals but also to families, communities and nations.