Youth in Law: An Ethnographic Exploration of Their Role in African Contexts in Guinea,

Youth have increasingly become a significant demographic in African societies, particularly in contexts where traditional leadership structures are undergoing transformation. In Guinea, there is an emerging interest in understanding how youth engage with and influence legal systems. A qualitative ethnographic approach was employed, involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis to understand the lived experiences of young individuals within various legal contexts in Guinea. Youth participation in law is particularly pronounced in education-related legal issues, with approximately 40% of youth interviewed indicating active involvement in educational reform discussions. This theme emerged consistently across different age groups and regions. The study reveals a dynamic interplay between youth aspirations and the formal legal system in Guinea, suggesting avenues for enhanced inclusivity and relevance in future legal reforms. Adoption of more participatory legal education programmes is recommended to better engage young people in shaping their own legal environments. Additionally, fostering youth-led initiatives can lead to more effective and responsive legal policies.