OUAGADOUGOU — President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso inspired young Africans on Friday to leverage their vitality to effect positive global change. Speaking in Ouagadougou during International Youth Day, he emphasized the power of youth to overcome challenges and reshape the future.

According to Burkina Information Agency, addressing young people from Burkina Faso’s 13 regions and 54 African countries, it’s crucial for the new generation to discard vices such as cowardice, betrayal, and incompetence. He asserted that such traits have historically allowed imperialists to exploit African leaders and resources. Drawing on historical references, Traoré highlighted that traits like cowardice and betrayal were instrumental in the success of the slave trade and colonization in Africa, citing the examples of Patrice Lumumba and Victor Biaka Boda as leaders who suffered due to betrayal.

The president also described incompetents as allies of imperialism, capable of hindering a nation’s development and sowing self-doubt among its people. He connected the theme of the event, "Integration, security, peace, and development: the role of African youth," to the essential roles young people play in achieving national and continental integration, security, and development.

Moumouni Dialla, president of the Pan-African Youth Union and the Burkinabè National Youth Council, echoed Traoré’s message, urging his peers towards unity and solidarity to achieve the total liberation of the African continent. He praised President Traoré for his inspirational leadership and patriotism, which he believes offers genuine hope to the current generation.