Gorée Institute mobilizes youth to strengthen democratic resilience March 27, 2026

Gathered in Gorée, young Sahelian leaders, alongside institutional actors, called for a collective approach to regional challenges. The need for a pan-African strategy, the increased involvement of young people and women and the consolidation of inclusive governance in the face of cross-border threats were, on Wednesday March 25, 2026, at the heart of the discussions.

Gorée Institute organized, on Wednesday March 25, 2026, on the island of Gorée, an annual symposium on the theme “Youth and inclusive governance: catalyzing democratic resilience in the Sahel”. The meeting brought together young leaders from different Sahel countries, but also national and international institutions. It aims to encourage a collective approach to Sahelian problems in an increasingly fragmented world in order to fully exploit the potential of young people for the benefit of the African continent. It was moderated by Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Senegal and director of the Pan-African Institute of Strategies, Peace-Security-Governance. For someone who presents himself as an “Afro-unconditional”, a pan-African strategy is necessary so that the Sahel can control its own destiny.

This “common diplomacy” aims, according to him, to “require mutualization” and to secure the region against threats such as disinformation and migration, which are intrinsically cross-border. Panelist Doudou Dia emphasizes that 60% of the African population is under 25 years old. “In 2050, one in three people in the world will be African,” informed Mr. Dia. This is why the various speakers estimated that youth are the continent’s greatest wealth.

The annual symposium of the Gorée Institute was an opportunity to launch a call for African solidarity in order to mobilize this demographic and strategic force.

Furthermore, former Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio believes the key to maximizing the wealth of the continent’s youth lies in the empowerment of women. “To be a pan-Africanist is to be a feminist. Without the advancement of education, inclusion and economic mobilization of women, the continent would put obstacles in its way,” added the pan-Africanist. In his opinion, young people and women must be involved in the development of the Sahel. “In Africa, there are too many Mozarts murdered and too much potential was wasted by colonists and dictators,” he lamented. For Mr. Gadio, “the battle for Africa is a battle for good leadership.”

The Gorée Institute symposium which ends today will serve as a platform for cooperation and unity for young democratic leaders in the Sahel.

Felix KIND (Intern)