African Youth and Globalization: The Experience of the Ethics Club in the Process of Socio-political Integration of the Youth in Cameroon

Abstract

This article attempts to illuminate the Ethics Club's activism in relation to one of the pillars of globalization, democratic/good governance and youth integration in Cameroon. The article is guided by the hypothesis that youth mobilization can affect democratic/good governance as an issue of collective efforts and survival in Cameroon in a global age. Based on a constructivist approach, the essence of which is the social representation of the reality that one can improve, rather than speculation. Through interviews, participant observation operational techniques, the article problematizes the global context and the main theme driving the Ethics Club activism. It further examines Ethics Club as framework of youth integration and participation and highlights suggestions that could improve the efficiency of this youth movement and direct government policy towards young people. The article finds that renewing hope in young people in Cameroon, as elsewhere on the African continent, can entail overcoming the vestiges of corruption and consolidating a robust democratic governance as well as ethics in leadership. It also finds that the ruling coalition welcomes the Ethics Club with great enthusiasm and hope that it will help restore its fragile legitimacy. It further finds that Information and Communication Technologies, associated with globalization, are transforming the Cameroonian society at a remarkable speed. The article argues that no matter the form that development can take in any context, the implication of those concerned cannot be undermined. Therefore, young people must be given the opportunity to ensure their own survival through a transparent system of decision-making that puts them at the centre.