Youth and Legal Engagement in Benin: A Qualitative Exploration

Youth engagement in legal systems is increasingly recognised as crucial for addressing socio-legal issues in Africa, including human rights violations and governance challenges. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with young participants aged 18 to 25 who are involved in various law-related activities. Participant observation and document analysis supplemented the qualitative approach. Youth involvement was notably high, with nearly two-thirds of respondents indicating they had direct experience engaging with legal systems or institutions, including courts and community mediation centers. The findings suggest a promising avenue for enhancing youth participation in African legal processes through targeted interventions that address their specific needs and capacities. Policy makers should prioritise initiatives that foster youth engagement in law enforcement and legal education to promote inclusive governance models.