BUJUMBURA February 21st (ABP) – The President of the Republic of Burundi, Mr. Evariste Ndayishimiye, returned on Monday, February 20, 2023, from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, where he took part in the 36th Summit of the African Union Heads of State, which was held from February 18 to 19, 2023.
In an interview with the press upon his arrival at Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, the Head of State said that the work of that Summit was more focused on the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf) in order to facilitate and consolidate the exchange of products amongst African countries.
He also indicated that on the sidelines of that Summit there was planned a very first public assembly of young people within the African Union where he was a guest of honor. During that assembly, he mentioned, it was a question of discussing how the entrepreneurial activities of African youth will contribute in one way or another within the framework of ZLECAf.
The President of the Republic indicated that he appreciated the course of that assembly which was attended by experts who were able, in turn, to give orientations and contributions towards the young people who came from all over the African continent, on how they could contribute to the better future of Africa as pillars of sustainable development.
President Ndayishimiye said that the exchanges between him and the youth representatives went well. They thanked him for having responded to their invitation. They also appreciated the advice he gave them and especially by showing them the vision he has towards youth. According to the Burundian Head of State, they were pleased to be face to face with the Burundi President whom they followed, before, on social media. He pointed out that it was during the very assembly that he was appointed as the African Union Champion for Youth, Peace and Security in Africa, which made Bujumbura become the capital of African Youth.
In addition, he mentioned, it was decided that there will be every year, in Bujumbura, the holding of the assembly of young Africans to discuss their role and contribution to the development of Africa as key agents of change.
Still according to President Ndayishimiye, the Heads of African governments have had to analyze in depth the current situation prevailing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In that regard, he said, the Heads of State have decided that this question ceases to concern only Rwanda and the DRC but that all African countries must understand that it is a question which is incumbent on everyone without any exception. To do this, he added, all African Heads of State must feel that they are all concerned and provide the cornerstone for the conflict to come to the end.