In the heart of Africa, a troubling trend has emerged: the only time politicians truly engage with the youth is during election campaigns. This is the moment when they unveil their empty promises of uplifting programs, conveniently ignoring these commitments until the ballots are within reach. It creates a disheartening cycle where the youth, full of potential and ambition, are exploited as mere pawns in a political game. During this time, politicians spring into action, organizing tournaments and rallies to make the youth feel valued—at least until the votes are counted and the dust settles.

In this distorted reality, young people often become carriers of hate, caught in a toxic environment of division. The divide between youth loyal to opposing political factions deepens, transforming society into a battlefield of animosity. Social media, which once served as a source of hope and connection, has morphed into a grotesque arena for character assassination and vitriol. Here, the voices of the youth are weaponized, turning them against one another while the puppet masters manipulate from the shadows.

These young individuals are used as mere pawns in a game of manipulation, sent into the streets to protest and riot while their leaders remain comfortably ensconced in their lavish homes. The politicians, sipping coffee and enjoying their privileges, caution their own children to avoid the chaos they have incited among the youth. This irony is tragic; the very individuals who preach peace and progress are the same ones who exploit the anger and desperation of the youth for their own gain.

Politicians rally the youth with promises of a brighter future, only to abandon them when violence erupts in the streets. Young people become human shields, forced to confront the wrath of the state while their leaders remain safely distanced from the turmoil. This betrayal runs deep, and it is a bitter pill to swallow. The stark reality is that around 80% of these young people are unemployed, grappling with unfulfilled dreams and a bleak future. They are vulnerable to manipulation, their hurt and anger easily channeled into destructive behaviors.

However, it doesn’t have to be this way. We must reject the idea that hate is the solution to our problems. It is time to eradicate this toxic mindset and replace it with a revolutionary spirit focused on employability and empowerment. The youth of Africa should not be defined by the hate that is thrust upon them; instead, they should emerge as champions of change, united in their quest for opportunity and dignity.

Imagine a future where elections are not a time of division but rather a celebration of unity and progress. We can demand peaceful resolutions to the oppressive issues that plague our societies. The energy and passion of the youth can be harnessed for constructive purposes, transforming frustration into action. We must dedicate our time and resources to showcase our innate gifts and acquired skills, demonstrating to the world that we are capable of much more than being pawns in a political game.

The power to change our lives rests within us. The politicians for whom we lay our lives down—those who promise the world but deliver despair—will never be our saviors. The responsibility to transform our futures lies on our shoulders. We must set aside the hate instilled in us and focus on building a better tomorrow. This is not merely about political change; it is about a revolution of thought and action.

We need to cultivate a culture of employability, equipping young people with the skills and opportunities to thrive. This requires investing in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship. It means creating an environment where innovation is celebrated and young voices are heard. The youth must learn to channel their frustrations into productive avenues, such as creating businesses, engaging in community service, and advocating for social justice.

The narrative of hate and division must be dismantled. We must rise up and demand a new way forward—one that prioritizes unity, peace, and progress. The revolution begins with us!