By: Austin S Fallah  – A True Son of Liberia, Africa and the Planet Earth Soil

In the vibrant tapestry of global politics, Africa holds a unique and vibrant hue.

Home to a young and rapidly growing population, Africa’s youth are poised to shape not only their future but also the governance and stability of their continent.

However, a crucial question arises from the ashes of repeated conflicts and governance crises.

When will the African Youths learn to discuss national, continental, and global issues rather than calling for the resignation of governments through undemocratic means?

It is imperative to explore the impact of constructive political discourse and the pursuit of democratic processes in effecting sustainable change, as opposed to resorting to vandalism and other forms of destruction that continually push the continent into the shadows.

The Ills of Undemocratic Overthrows:

African history is punctuated by revolutions and government overthrows characterized by undemocratic means.

These moments of upheaval are often fueled by valid frustrations with corrupt and ineffective governance, yet the methods employed to address these grievances have frequently led to undesirable outcomes.

The rush to remove governments through coups or violent protests has repeatedly resulted in a vacuum of power, making room for further instability, civil unrest, and a continuing cycle of governance without accountability.

By their very nature, undemocratic actions undermine the principles of self-determination and solidarity that could bind nations together.

Vandalism and disorder destroy more than physical structures.

They tear at the fabric of social trust and dismantle the foundations upon which economic prosperity could be built.

Such actions, far from propelling a country forward, ensure that it lags behind its contemporaries on the path toward progress.

The Virtue of Discourse:

Powwow, particularly of the sort that engages deeply with political, social, and economic issues, is an invaluable tool for the African youth.

Weigh-upping and debating ideas provide a forum for the clarification of thoughts, the sharing of knowledge, and the cultivation of a dynamic intellectual community.

Through organized forums, social media, and various platforms, youths can scrutinize government policies, propose reforms, and champion democratic principles.

The principles of good governance accountability, transparency, participation, and rule of law can be actively promoted and defended through methodical and thoughtful discourse.

Persuasion and argumentation, grounded in data and analytical rigor, hold the promise of effecting change without sacrificing lives or property.

Therefore, the focus ought to be on enhancing these skills among the youth, equipping them with the means to question and engage with their leaders productively.

Democratic Removal as Accountability:

The assertion that holding corrupt governments’ feet to the fire ought to be done through a democratic removal process is grounded in a vision of long-term stability and the rule of law.

Democratic processes, including elections and legislative procedures, provide a controlled and legitimate avenue for the expression of disapproval and the selection of representatives.

They serve as the lifeblood of a functioning democracy, ensuring that leaders can be removed without plunging the nation into turmoil.

The democratic removal process empowers individuals to make a stand against issues plaguing their governance.

When done effectively, it allows for a peaceful transition of power, safeguarding the nation from the risks of reprisal, vendettas, or the ascendancy of potentially more radical or authoritarian figures.

By leveraging institutions built to protect democracy, citizens can ensure that their governments reflect their will without recourse to violence or anarchy.

Fostering Democratic Engagement:

The crux of the challenge lies in fostering a political culture that values democratic engagement and the peaceful arbitration of conflicts.

Education systems and civic organizations must emphasize the importance of dialogue, critical thinking, and active participation in political life.

Programs aimed at youth empowerment should focus on equipping them with the necessary tools to understand government structures, international law, and the broader global context of their local issues.

Engagement is not limited to the ballot box, but it encompasses a manifold array of activities such as advocacy, community organizing, and policy development.

By establishing avenues through which young voices can be heard and acted upon, confidence in democratic methods grows, reinforcing the legitimacy and responsiveness of institutions.

Moreover, the involvement of youth in politics serves to rejuvenate existing structures and introduce new perspectives, invigorating the political landscape and ensuring that it is conducive to change and responsive to the people’s needs.

The Democratic Mandate for Advancement:

The path to social and economic advancement in Africa lies in strengthening the commitment to democratic values and participation.

In an age where instant results are desired, patience in employing democratic methods may be challenging but necessary.

Such processes inherently entail significant investment in time and resources to ensure their integrity remains intact, thus needing concerted effort from all stakeholders, particularly the youth.

As Africa steps onto the global stage, offering a rich repository of culture, resources, and potential, it is the responsibility of its youth to champion the cause of democracy and the rule of law.

By choosing to engage in sound reasoning and measured political conduct, rather than the forceful ejection of governments.

The African youth hold the power to truly transform the continent, leading it to a future where every citizen can thrive under the shade of accountability, justice, and peace.

It is high time that African Youths invest in democratic tenacity rather than the immediacy of undemocratic imbroglio.

History will recall not the fiery temper of resistance but the steady, enduring flame of democratic progress that has the power to light the way for Africa toward sustainable development and its rightful place on the world stage.