This weekend, the African Union (AU), the primary regional body for Africa, is hosting its annual summit in Ethiopia, focusing on the future of the continent which has approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants. However, the summit is taking place against a backdrop of significant dissatisfaction among the youth of Africa, who feel that the AU has not delivered on its promises of unity and solidarity among African states. Analysts highlight that the organization is experiencing a legitimacy crisis, particularly among young people who are increasingly disillusioned with their leaders and the political dynamics in many African nations.

The continent, which is home to the world's youngest population, features over 400 million individuals aged between 15 and 35. This youthful demographic is juxtaposed with a significant number of long-serving leaders who have maintained power for decades, generating a paradox that has resulted in increased instances of military coups. Concurrently, many African countries are battling political instability, with issues such as disputed elections and protests stemming from economic hardships, which have been worsened by cuts in foreign aid. The overall atmosphere at the summit reflects this tension, as leaders are called to address the urgent needs and expectations of their younger citizens.

As the youth population is projected to double by 2050, the implications are profound for the future of governance and democracy in Africa. The AU's challenge will be to reconcile the aspirations of this growing demographic with the realities of entrenched political structures. The rising rates of discontent could spell further instability if not addressed, making this summit not just a routine meeting, but a crucial point for pivotal discussions on leadership and youth engagement.