Embracing the Torchbearers: President Ndayishimiye’s Rallying Cry to the Youth

In a compelling address at the East Africa High-Level Ministerial Conference on Youth, Peace, and Security, President Ndayishimiye of Burundi delivered a resounding message of empowerment and change. Against the backdrop of armed conflicts and political tensions, the President’s speech resonated with a call to action, urging African governments and regional mechanisms to recognize the crucial role of youth in promoting peace and security throughout the East African region.

With genuine concern evident in his demeanor, President Ndayishimiye expressed his natural protective instinct towards the youth, a demographic often targeted by those who seek to disrupt peace. With unwavering conviction, he emphasized the urgent need to equip young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to envision and forge a brighter future while time still permits.

President Ndayishimiye dispelled the notion of relying on external saviors, asserting that Africa itself holds the key to overcoming the challenges that plague the continent. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of Africans to chart a course towards development and prosperity, rejecting dependency on external interventions.

The President celebrated the youth as the driving force behind Africa’s transformation, recognizing their vibrancy, resilience, and determination as indispensable qualities necessary for peaceful coexistence and sustainable progress. By placing young people at the center of peace and security initiatives, President Ndayishimiye sought to ensure their voices are heard, their talents are utilized, and their aspirations are realized.

With clarity and unwavering resolve, President Ndayishimiye underscored the intrinsic link between peace, security, and development—a truth that cannot be denied. He stressed that true progress cannot be achieved without a solid foundation of peace, highlighting the need to foster an environment where tranquility, joy, fulfillment, and well-being can flourish.

In a departure from conventional wisdom, President Ndayishimiye asserted that the ultimate victory lies in winning a war without sacrificing a single life. He called upon the audience to prioritize peaceful strategies and nonviolent conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of preserving human dignity and seeking resolutions that avoid unnecessary loss of life.

Taking his commitment a step further, President Ndayishimiye championed the cause of youth empowerment, urging young leaders to step up and take charge. He emphasized the significance of providing them with the means and opportunities to meaningfully contribute to peace-building efforts, from the initial planning stages to decisive implementation. Through this approach, he aimed to harness the potential of African youth as agents of change, shaping a future defined by unity, progress, and shared prosperity.

In a poignant conclusion to his address, President Ndayishimiye announced the establishment of the highly anticipated Entrepreneurship Award. This prestigious accolade will annually celebrate and honour young individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to empowering African youth through innovative entrepreneurial endeavours.

President Ndayishimiye’s resolute speech with an unwavering commitment to peace and an unyielding belief in the potential of African youth. He implored governments, regional mechanisms, and young leaders to rise to the occasion. The President’s impassioned plea serves as a powerful reminder that “the future of Africa rests in the hands of its own sons and daughters, united in their quest for peace, progress, and a legacy of resilience that will shape generations to come” .