This chapter examines the roles of youth in peacebuilding within the conflict-affected region of Northwestern Cameroon, where the Anglophone crisis has led to protracted violence, displacement, and marginalization. Despite systemic barriers, young people have emerged as critical actors in fostering social cohesion and advancing locally driven peace initiatives. Drawing on the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) and grounded in practitioner insights, this chapter challenges dominant narratives that frame youth as either victims or perpetrators. It explores how young people navigate exclusion and actively contribute to peace through community dialogues, digital advocacy, and participation in local governance structures. By highlighting youth-led responses and intergenerational efforts, the chapter contributes to the broader Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) discourse, emphasizing the need for equity, local ownership, and sustained support for youth agency in conflict transformation. The case of Northwestern Cameroon demonstrates the transformative potential of youth participation when structural barriers are addressed and their contributions are meaningfully recognized.

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Local Voices, Global Impact: Youth, Peace and Security Discourse Analysis in Northwestern Cameroon

  • Sally M. Mboumien,
  • Katrina Leclerc

摘要

This chapter examines the roles of youth in peacebuilding within the conflict-affected region of Northwestern Cameroon, where the Anglophone crisis has led to protracted violence, displacement, and marginalization. Despite systemic barriers, young people have emerged as critical actors in fostering social cohesion and advancing locally driven peace initiatives. Drawing on the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) and grounded in practitioner insights, this chapter challenges dominant narratives that frame youth as either victims or perpetrators. It explores how young people navigate exclusion and actively contribute to peace through community dialogues, digital advocacy, and participation in local governance structures. By highlighting youth-led responses and intergenerational efforts, the chapter contributes to the broader Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) discourse, emphasizing the need for equity, local ownership, and sustained support for youth agency in conflict transformation. The case of Northwestern Cameroon demonstrates the transformative potential of youth participation when structural barriers are addressed and their contributions are meaningfully recognized.