African Sovereignty: President Ibrahim Traoré’s advice to young Africans for a free and strong continent
Burkina Faso was selected as the host country for this year’s International Youth Day, marking a significant moment for African youth across the continent.
During the official launch of the event in Ouagadougou on August 9, President Ibrahim Traoré delivered a powerful and instructive message to his young audience, aligning with the theme of the 2024 edition: “Integration, Security, Peace, and Development: The Role of African Youth.”
In his address, President Ibrahim Traoré emphasized the crucial role that young Africans must play in building a truly independent, prosperous, and influential continent.
As a leader widely regarded as a symbol of the struggle for Africa’s emergence free from foreign domination, Traoré urged the youth to actively contribute to this vision.
He highlighted the importance of breaking away from certain negative behaviors that have historically undermined Africa’s progress.
According to the President, traits such as cowardice, betrayal, and incompetence were exploited by colonial powers to sustain their control over African nations.
In today’s ongoing battle against lingering Western imperialism and neocolonialism, Traoré called on African youth to discard these destructive habits.
The President’s speech served as a rallying cry for a new generation of African leaders, urging them to embrace courage, integrity, and competence as they work towards a future where Africa stands strong and united on the global stage.
The events of International Youth Day in Ouagadougou, centered around the theme of integration, security, peace, and development, underscored the pivotal role that young people must play in shaping the continent’s destiny.
Olivier TOE
