By Wilson Musa
LIMBE, Cameroon (CNA) Emilia “Emily” Epeti Miki, founder and chief executive officer of the Denis Miki Foundation (DMF), represented Cameroon at the Third African Union Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government held in Accra, Ghana.
Miki attended the forum in her capacity as a member of the African Union’s Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa). The meeting brought together government officials, policymakers, civil society organizations, academics and youth leaders from across the continent to discuss ways of strengthening constitutional governance and preventing unconstitutional changes of government.
Held under the theme “Youth Inclusion for Africa Stability,” the forum focused on expanding young people’s participation in democratic governance, peacebuilding and public leadership.
According to the Denis Miki Foundation, Miki participated in discussions on constitutionalism, conflict prevention and youth engagement while representing both Cameroon and the organization. She also joined other delegates in examining strategies to promote democratic resilience and sustainable peace across Africa.
Addressing participants after the forum, Miki called for greater youth involvement in leadership and decision-making.
“Young Africans must not simply be represented—they must be trusted with leadership and decision-making responsibilities,” she said. “Building peaceful, democratic and resilient societies requires governments and institutions to intentionally create opportunities for youth to shape policies that affect their future.”
The foundation said Miki also highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments and civil society in advancing democratic governance across the continent.
The Denis Miki Foundation noted that Miki’s participation reflects the role of FemWise-Africa in promoting women’s leadership in conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding. The African Union initiative supports experienced women mediators and peace practitioners in strengthening preventive diplomacy and inclusive governance across Africa.
The foundation said it remains committed to promoting democratic governance, youth and women’s empowerment, civic participation, leadership development and sustainable community development in Cameroon and across the continent.
