From Crisis to Consensus: The ongoing Federation of Liberian Youth Electoral crisis should inspire a Common Youth Agenda for 2029 and beyond

The need for a collective and united stance among young Liberians regarding the role of youth in national governance cannot be overemphasize. The continuous sidelining of Liberian youth (ages 18–35) by existing political structures regardless of party affiliation will not end on its own, as politicians from previous generations will continue to exploit us for personal gain.

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By Julius N.  Gbowee, contributing writer

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It is therefore upon us, the young people of Liberia, to create a Common Youth Position – a framework that clearly outlines our demands for meaningful youth participation in national decision-making, especially as we approach the post-2029 political era. Demography is on our side: according to NEC data, young Liberians accounted for about 60% of registered voters in 2023, and this number is expected to grow significantly by 2029.

To develop an effective Common Youth Position on Governance and Participation, we need an empowered, trusted, and effective Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) that will champion this vision, independent of sentiments toward any current or future political establishment. This is why the ongoing FLY debacle represents a critical turning point for the collective future of Liberia’s youth. It could either set the stage for a transformation in how our system perceives young leadership or leave us more vulnerable to political manipulation and division for at least another decade.

As a young Liberian and youth leader who shares this vision for a unified, non-partisan youth agenda, I sincerely hope that we approach this process in full accordance with the FLY Constitution, ensuring that the outcome reflects the true legitimacy and aspirations of Liberia’s young people.

Liberia will rise again!