Speaking at the international diplomacy forum underway in Antalya, Turkey, Nduhungirehe highlighted Africa as the continent with the richest natural resources and a youthful population that could drive sustainable development.
'We have countries that are inexplicably poor, yet we are a rich continent. We have youth, with a majority under 18. I believe that by 2050, one-third of the world's youth will be African,' he said.
He pointed out that persistent conflicts continue to hinder Africa's development and are often rooted in poor governance, lack of job opportunities for youth, and discrimination.
'As you know, the root causes of conflict on this continent are the same, bad governance, lack of opportunities for young people, youth unemployment, and discrimination. We must solve these problems now, because if we don't, they'll return in five or ten years,' he emphasized.
Nduhungirehe explained that many of these conflicts have their origins in colonial-era borders and stressed the importance of regional cooperation to resolve them.
'We have committed to working together, investing, adding value to what we produce, and reaping the benefits of our collaboration.' He warned that without such cooperation, external forces, intent on keeping African countries dependent, will succeed in dividing the continent.
'Otherwise, there are indeed external forces that want to turn Africa into a battleground, dividing us from all sides so we remain dependent, instead of self-reliant.'
The minister stated that it is up to African nations to recognize the wealth they possess and facilitate movement and trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/africa-must-unite-or-be-torn-apart-by-foreign-powers-nduhungirehe
