Burkina Faso: African youth, the engine of change and courage according to Captain Ibrahim Traoré

As part of the  International Youth Day which will be celebrated on august,12th, 2024, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso delivered a stirring address that struck a chord with young people across the country and the African continent. Speaking under the theme “Integration, Security, Peace, and Development: The Role of African Youth,” President Traoré urged the youth to harness their full potential to drive transformative change in their communities and beyond.

In his speech, President Traoré highlighted the critical importance of youth as a decisive period in life, where energy and opportunity converge.

“Youth is the time when we must act with urgency. We cannot afford to waste the time and energy we have; these are the tools we need to reshape our world,” he said.

This message served as a powerful reminder that the youth hold the key to effecting meaningful and lasting change.

The President encouraged young people to channel their energy into constructive endeavors that can uplift their communities and contribute to the broader development of Africa.

He emphasized that every young person has a vital role in the continent’s progress, and it is through their engagement and creativity that Africa can achieve real and sustainable development.

President Traoré also spoke on the theme of courage, invoking the legacy of Africa’s ancestors. “A coward is always afraid, and fear makes us slaves. Our ancestors were never cowards… We do not fear, and we will never fear,” he declared.

This statement was a call for the youth to confront modern challenges with bravery and resolve.

By recalling the valor of Africa’s forebears, President Traoré urged the young generation to break free from the paralyzing grip of fear and to face challenges with determination and courage.

He pointed out that fear is an obstacle to freedom and innovation, and only by rejecting it can young people rise as bold leaders capable of guiding their nations toward a brighter future.

President Traoré’s speech was more than just a message; it was a rallying cry for action.

He underscored the importance of time, energy, and courage, encouraging the youth to use these assets wisely in the service of their countries.

The theme of International Youth Day, centered on integration, security, peace, and development, served as a poignant reminder that young people are central to addressing Africa’s pressing challenges.

The President also called for greater regional integration, stronger security measures, and more harmonious development across the continent, all of which depend on the commitment and initiative of the youth.

By uniting their efforts and working collaboratively, African youth can overcome the hurdles before them and build a stronger, more united continent.

Olivier TOE