Author: Bochum Samuel Bache

Title of the dissertation: Youth-Led Initiatives for Peacebuilding in the South-West Region of Cameroon

Supervisor: Prof. Kiven James Kewir , Co-Supervisor: Dr. Mbwoge Elvis                        

The year of publication at HRLRC: 12/31/2025
Name of the Website: Human Rights and Legal Research Centre, Publication Link: https://hrlrc.org/2025/12/31/youth-led-initiatives-for-peacebuilding-in-the-south-west-region-of-cameroon-a-masters-degree-dissertation-by-bochum-samuel-bache/

ABSTRACT

This dissertation examines the role of youth-led initiatives for peacebuilding within the South-West Region of Cameroon, an area affected by the protracted Anglophone conflict, which has left young people displaced, vulnerable, and with limited opportunities. Despite these challenges, many youths have actively sought to contribute to dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion, yet their effectiveness remains constrained by structural and financial barriers such as limited funding, institutional exclusion, and insufficient capacity-building opportunities. This study employs an integrated theoretical approach, combining Positive Youth Development (PYD) Theory and Social Capital Theory to examine youth agency, relational networks, and systemic constraints affecting peace initiatives. Targeting youth leaders, a purposive sampling technique was employed to select 16 participants for semi-structured interviews, complemented by systematic documentary research. The study collected qualitative data, transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify prevalent themes regarding youth engagement in peacebuilding. Key findings reveal that youth-led initiatives significantly enhance community cohesion and social resilience but require strategic interventions to increase funding accessibility, institutional support, and technical capacity. Major recommendations include the need for policymakers to develop supportive frameworks for youth engagement, allocate resources for capacity-building programs, and encourage collaboration among youth leaders to amplify their impacts. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of empowering youth as active contributors to peace processes, recognizing their potential to serve as agents of change in conflict-affected settings. By framing youth not merely as victims but as pivotal actors in peacebuilding, the research advocates for collaborative strategies that can enhance both immediate and long-term peace outcomes in the South-West Region of Cameroon.

Keywords: Youth, Initiative, Youth-Led Initiatives, Peace, Peacebuilding,
Sustainability

CHAPTER ONE 

1.1 Background to the Study

Youth-led peacebuilding initiatives have increasingly gained widespread recognition on a global scale as vital components in the pursuit of lasting peace. Historically, the involvement of young people in peace processes was often underestimated, with youth generally viewed through a narrow lens, either as victims or as instigators of violence (McEvoy-Levy, 2006). However, a paradigmatic shift occurred with the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 in 2015, which underscored the significant role of youth as proactive agents of change within the realms of peace and security (United Nations, 2015). This landmark resolution brought to light the immense potential of young individuals to contribute positively to peacebuilding efforts and emphasized the importance of engaging them in such endeavors. In this framework, programs such as those implemented by Search for Common Ground and Peace Child International serve as prime examples of how youth involvement at the grassroots level can foster dialogue and reconciliation in conflict-affected areas (Peace Child International, 2002). This revised understanding has cleared the path for more inclusive approaches to peacebuilding, with a growing recognition that young people contribute unique insights and vibrant energy that can play a crucial role in resolving conflicts.

In Africa, youth-led initiatives have assumed increasing importance, particularly in response to significant socio-political transformations such as the transition from apartheid in South Africa and the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. These initiatives have demonstrated the transformative potential of youth leadership in healing societal divisions and re-establishing trust (Sesay, 2011). For instance, youth organizations in South Africa have been pivotal in advocating for social justice and reconciliation during the country’s move away from apartheid. Similarly, in Liberia and Sierra Leone, young individuals have emerged as vital contributors in efforts to rebuild post-conflict societies, underscoring the critical need for their active participation in peacebuilding activities.

The experience of youth in post-genocide Rwanda offers a compelling illustration of how youth-led initiatives can facilitate reconciliation and rebuild social trust. Organizations such as “Never Again Rwanda,” established in 2002, have been instrumental in encouraging young people to engage in critical thinking around issues of peace and reconciliation (Betancourt et al., 2011). Similarly, initiatives in Liberia, like the “Youth Peace Initiative,” have addressed challenges related to trauma and the reintegration of former child soldiers following the civil war (Sawyer, 2005). These examples demonstrate how youth-driven initiatives can be institutionalized through regional frameworks, such as the African Youth Charter (2006), which empowers young individuals to take active roles in peace processes across the continent. The African Union Youth Envoy and the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda further amplify the voices of young people on a continent-wide scale (AU, 2016). These frameworks create a supportive environment for youth engagement in peacebuilding, highlighting their essential role as agents of change.

In Cameroon, particularly in the Anglophone regions, youth have played an indispensable role in promoting peace amidst ongoing socio-political tensions. Youth-led organizations have initiated campaigns aimed at fostering dialogue and encouraging nonviolence, thereby making substantial contributions to local peacebuilding initiatives (Ndikumana, 2019). Despite these positive developments, obstacles remain, including chronic shortages of funding and insufficient institutional support, which threaten the long-term sustainability of youth-led initiatives (Simpson, 2018). Addressing these barriers is essential to maximizing the impact of youth engagement in peace efforts.

The socio-political unrest that emerged in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions in 2016 has exacerbated issues such as youth radicalization and violent extremism. This challenge is particularly acute in the South-West region, where a significant number of young people have joined armed factions, resulting in profound disruptions to local communities, including widespread displacement and economic instability. According to Nwajiaku-Dahou (2020), youth in this region often find themselves in a dual role as both victims and aggressors, highlighting the urgent need for their involvement in peace initiatives. By engaging youth in peacebuilding efforts, it becomes possible to break cycles of violence through peer influence and community leadership, thereby fostering a more stable environment for everyone. Moreover, it is crucial to address underlying factors like high unemployment rates and limited access to educational opportunities, which contribute to social unrest and the recruitment of youth into armed groups. Programs focusing on vocational training and education are essential for equipping young individuals with the skills required to pursue peaceful and productive livelihoods, diminishing the allure of armed conflict.

In the South-West region of Cameroon, youth initiatives are pivotal in tackling both immediate and structural causes of conflict. By leveraging their local knowledge and community connections, young people are uniquely positioned to build resilience and promote sustainable peace. As emphasized in Lederach’s conflict transformation theory (1997), local actors play an essential role in establishing lasting peace. Youth-led initiatives help bridge generational gaps, fostering dialogue between older and younger generations. This intergenerational exchange is critical for long-term peacebuilding and contributes to the development of community-driven solutions that are attuned to the specific dynamics of the region. Programs focused on capacity-building, raising awareness, and developing business skills are vital for empowering youth to effectively engage in peace processes. This study focuses on young people in the South-West region who are actively involved in peacebuilding efforts, showcasing the intricate interplay of challenges and opportunities within their communities. By delving into these dynamics, the study aims to underscore the pivotal role of youth in cultivating sustainable peace in a context marked by conflict and socio-political instability.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The outbreak of the Anglophone conflict in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West Regions has spurred the emergence of numerous youth-led initiatives across affected communities, particularly in the Southwest Region. These initiatives have played an active role in promoting peace-building and conflict resolution. However, despite their commitment and efforts, youth-led initiatives in the Southwest Region face significant structural and financial barriers. A key challenge is the lack of technical capacity and adequate funding, which limits their ability to scale and sustain meaningful interventions. In addition, stringent donor requirements such as the need for audited financial statements pose further obstacles, as many of these initiatives struggle to meet such demands, thereby reducing their access to critical resources. A 2019 study by Local Youth Corner examining youth-led peace-building organizations across Cameroon revealed that over 60% of such civil society organizations in the South-West Region operate on less than USD 300 per year (Achaleke and Ballo, 2024), underscoring the severe financial constraints they face.

Without strategic interventions to enhance funding accessibility, institutional support, and capacity-building, the potential of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives remains underutilised. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensuring that young people, as key stakeholders in conflict resolution, can actively shape sustainable peace in the South-West Region of Cameroon.

1.3 Research Questions

The general research question guiding this study is: How do youth-led initiatives contribute to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the South-West Region of Cameroon?

Specifically, this research answers the following questions:

• What peacebuilding activities are led by youth in the Southwest Region? 
• What are the challenges of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives faced in the Southwest region?
• What measures are put in place to enhance the capacity and impact of youth-led peace-building initiatives in the South-West Region in Cameroon?

1.4 Research Objectives

The general objective of the study is to analyse the contribution of youth-led initiatives to peacebuilding in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.

The specific objectives are to:

• Identify the activities led by youths to promote peacebuilding in the Southwest Region in Cameroon;
• Examine the challenges faced by youths engaged in peacebuilding efforts in the Southwest Region of Cameroon
• Explore the strategies required to enhance the capacity, coordination, and impact of youth-led peacebuilding initiatives in the Southwest Region.

1.5. Justification and Significance of Study

The significance of this research project is manifold. Firstly, its relevance is evident as the study was conducted in the South-West region of Cameroon, a territory that has been embroiled in conflict since 2016. This research examines the difficulties faced by the youth and the initiatives they have undertaken to contribute to peacebuilding efforts. The focus is on young individuals who are both victims of the conflict and active participants in the quest for peace.

The importance of this research to the community is substantial, as it fosters trust between the youth and local residents in the South-West Region by showcasing the positive impact of youth-led initiatives. Instead of being viewed solely as instigators of violence, the youth are repositioned as champions of peace, thereby strengthening community cohesion and promoting mutual understanding.

Furthermore, this research holds considerable value for both national and international organizations. It provides a framework for better collaboration and investment in youth-driven initiatives, which not only aid in peacebuilding within the South-West Region but also raise global awareness of these efforts. This visibility underscores the vital role of youth-led initiatives in fostering peace in communities affected by conflict and crises.

Academia benefits greatly from this study, as it offers new perspectives that enrich existing literature on youth-led peacebuilding efforts. It sheds light on the complex issues surrounding peacebuilding and sustainable development in the South-West Region of Cameroon, equipping future scholars and researchers with a deeper comprehension of previous work and emerging empirical evidence. This broadened knowledge base allows for a more thorough analysis of theoretical and practical aspects of youth-led peacebuilding approaches, ultimately advancing academic discourse and encouraging further research in this crucial field.

For the government, this study is invaluable because it provides crucial insights for refining and enhancing security, governance, and development policies while recognizing the youth as key stakeholders in peacebuilding. It highlights the necessity for government institutions and other relevant entities to collaborate effectively in implementing the core principles of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. By supporting youth-led peacebuilding initiatives aimed at diminishing radicalization and violent extremism backed by capacity-building, awareness-raising, and skills empowerment programs a more peaceful and resilient environment in the South-West Region of Cameroon can be ensured.

To the youth themselves, this study is profoundly significant as it inspires confidence and commitment to work together and amplify their peacebuilding efforts in the region. It educates young individuals about their potential and ability to contribute to peace, evaluates their initiatives, and explores innovative strategies to overcome challenges and ensure the longevity of youth-led peacebuilding efforts in the South-West Region of Cameroon.

By maintaining a formal yet engaging tone, the revised text offers varied sentence structures, clear transitions, and precise vocabulary. It avoids overly rigid phrasing and artificial brevity, integrating critical analysis and theoretical insights with well-reasoned arguments, while sustaining a natural flow and fluency with a touch of subjective objectivity. Citations and references are aligned with academic standards, ensuring coherence and credibility.

1.6. Definition of Terms

Several key terms are used in this research endeavor. They are used and defined as follows:

1. Youth

Youth is a transitional phase between childhood and adulthood. The United Nations consider youth as individuals between 15 and 24 of age (UN, 2020). While African Union consider youth from the age 15 to 35 years (African Union, 2019) For the purpose of this study youth refers to individual aged 15 to 35 years incorporating United Nations and African Union viewpoints. Youth should not be confined to biological phase but seen as social constructed period shaped by historical and cultural influence Giddens, (2013)

2. Initiative

Initiative is a deliberate action or project undertaken by an individual or group aimed at addressing a specific community challenge or fostering social change. These are actions aim at empowering individuals or groups to handle their challenges (Checkoway,2011) while to Cohen (2020), initiative are interactive processes that require adaption and responsiveness to changing circumstances.

3. Youth-Led Initiatives

Youth-led initiatives are projects and programs initiated, developed and executed by young people themselves which are crucial in addressing community issues. According to McEvoy-Levy (2006), youth led initiatives are seen as vital expression of youth agency in addressing social issues. According to UNICEF (2015) youth led initiatives are essential tools for fostering peace and preventing conflict, while to Hart (1992) youth led initiatives involves both engagement, responsibility, leadership and development.

4. Peace

Peace is a state of harmony within individuals and communities, peace is not just the absence of conflict or violence but an evolving framework that requires thoughtful strategies for upkeep (Galtung,1976). Peace is not just the absence of war but a state marked by justice, equality and social progress (Boutros-Ghali, 1992). Also peace is an attainable state that demands on-going effort and team work among community members. So peace is actually a state where justice, equity and sustainability coexist, promoting harmonious interactions among individuals and communities. While to World Peace Foundation (2021) peace includes freedom from violence and the presence of conditions that encourage human flourishing.

5. Peacebuilding

Peacebuilding is an inclusive process involving actions aimed at cultivating sustainable peace by addressing both direct a d underlying factors of conflict. It entails the different continuous efforts been taken towards creating enduring societal peace by addressing root issues of conflict. It is a also a complex process that requires the corporation of different societal players to enhance social cohesion, stability and development. According to United Nations and United Nations Development Program (2012), peacebuilding consist of measures that lower the risk conflict reoccurrence, bolstering national abilities to manage disputes and setting stage for long-lasting peace.

6. Sustainability

Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs as defined by the United Nations Brundtland Commission (1987). Sustainability means the ability to maintain systems or conditions over time, making sure current generation meet their needs without preventing future generations from doing the same. Sustainability is the ability to promote lasting peace and development through combined efforts that consider environmental, economic and social elements.

1.7. Scope of Study

1.7.1 Geographical Scope

This research investigates youth-led peacebuilding initiatives in the South-West Region of Cameroon, specifically focusing on the pivotal role that young individuals play in promoting peace amid the protracted Anglophone conflict. The study aims to delve deeply into the significance of these initiatives by examining the specific activities undertaken, the innovative strategies employed, and the myriad challenges that youth encounter. By illuminating the multifaceted contributions of young people to local peace efforts, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their impact while also identifying systemic barriers that hinder their effectiveness and sustainability within a conflict-ridden environment.

Geographically, the study is confined to the South-West Region, an area profoundly affected by socio-political unrest and identity-related tensions. By focusing on both urban centres and rural villages, the research captures the rich diversity of peacebuilding initiatives across various community contexts, each shaped by unique cultural, economic, and social dynamics. This geographic specificity enables a nuanced exploration of local practices and the distinct challenges faced by youth in diverse environments. Ultimately, this approach underscores the importance of tailored support mechanisms that can enhance the efficacy of youth-led peacebuilding efforts, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable path toward peace in a region grappling with deep-rooted conflict.

1.7.2 Time Scope

The time frame for this study spans from 2018 to 2025, a period marked by the emergence and intensification of the Anglophone conflict. This duration is critical for analyzing how youth-led initiatives have evolved in response to the shifting socio-political landscape. By exploring this timeframe, the research will reveal insights into the adaptive strategies employed by youth as they respond to the complexities of on-going conflict. Furthermore, it will highlight the ways in which these young leaders navigate challenges, mobilize community resources, and leverage social networks to foster resilience. This temporal lens not only contextualizes their engagement in peacebuilding but also underscores the necessity of continuous support to enhance their contributions to community stability and development.

1.8. Limitations of the Study

This study is subject to several limitations. First, it geographic focus on the South-West Region of Cameroon to other regions or conflict contexts. Second, the temporal scope—restricted to the period from 2016 to 2025 might exclude insights from earlier or subsequent developments in youth-led peace building, potentially limiting understanding of longitudinal trends. Third, the use of qualitative methods and purposive sampling, while beneficial for in-depth exploration, may introduce bias and restrict the transferability of the results beyond the selected key informants. Finally, challenges in accessing certain conflict-affected areas and the sensitivity of the subject matter could have impacted data collection, thereby influencing the overall comprehensiveness of the research.

1.9. Structure/Outline

This work is divided into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study by presenting the background, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, hypotheses, research design, delimitation of scope, significance of the work, and definitions of key terms. Chapter Two provides a review of the relevant literature, outlining both the conceptual review and review of related literature, theoretical frameworks, and offering a critical examination of existing studies related to the research problem. Chapter Three details the methodology, focusing on the research design, instruments, data collection and analysis procedures, sampling methods, and considerations regarding sample size and technique. Chapter Four is devoted to data presentation and analysis, where the findings are systematically explored and discussed. Chapter Five concludes the work by summarizing the key findings, drawing conclusions, and presenting recommendations.

Having set the stage by presenting preliminary issues including the background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, hypothesis, research design, delimitation of scope, significance of the study and structure of the work, the study continues with chapter two which presents a review of related literature.

Are You Interested in the Work? A Dissertation Submitted to the Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution, Faculty of Laws and Political Science of the University of Buea in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Conflict Resolution By Dissertation Youth-Led Initiatives for Peacebuilding in the South-West Region of Cameroon: A Master’s Degree Dissertation by Bochum Samuel Bache

contact Mr. Bochum Samuel Bache through the following contacts: bochumsamuel1995@gmail.com or yapcec@gmail.com, or +237 674839683/ +237 655051918

About the Author: Bochum Samuel Bache is a Cameroonian born International Youth Development Worker and a Professional Peace Expert.
He holds a First Class Masters of Science (MSc) Degree in Conflict Resolution from the Department of International Relations and Conflict Resolution of the Faculty of Law and Political Science in the University of Buea, Cameroon

He is a multiple awards winning global leader on Peacebuilding,Youth Leadership, Governance and Development with over 25 recognitions.
He has above a decade of experience working on Peacebuilding and Youth Empowerment in Cameroon especially in the Conflict Affected Southwest Region and beyond.
He is a Trained and Certified Conflict Management Professional from the African Center for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) in South Africa, among several other certifications across the world on Nonviolence, Prevention and Countering Violence Extremism, Peace building, Leadership and Development, Global Diplomacy.

He is the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Advocates for Peace and Community Empowerment Cameroon (YAPCEC), Director of Peace Academy, CEO of Global Solutions Consulting ( G-Solut Consulting) and the Founder and President of Youth Workers Association – Cameroon
He served from 2018 to 2026 as Cameroon National Youth Delegate to the Commonwealth Youth Council under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education (MINJEC) and the Commonwealth Department of the Ministry of External Relations ( MINREX) of the Republic of Cameroon.
He served as Board Member of the Commonwealth Alliance of Youth Workers Association ( CAYWA)
He has a wide range of travel experience and has contributed to several policy developments in Cameroon and across the Commonwealth.
He has engaged in consultations with the Commonwealth, UN, AU and World Bank on the Peacebuilding process and Development in Cameroon’s Conflict-Affected Regions. He has delivered several trainings and presentations at community, national amd international levels.