International Youth Day: “Avoid cowardice, betrayal and incompetence” (Captain Ibrahim Traoré to young people)

9:47 am Ibrahim Traoré enters the hall of the Ouaga 2000 Sports Palace, cheered by thousands of young people who have come to listen to him on the occasion of International Youth Day. After singing the national anthem, the head of state, Ditanyeh, addresses the young people, first of all paying tribute to the defence and security forces and the volunteers who defend the homeland, who are fighting to restore the territorial integrity of the country.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Integration, security, peace and development: the role of African youth”, President Faso returned to the Sahel Alliance’s fight against terrorism and imperialism. On this issue, he expressed his regret over the interference of certain countries in the affairs of others, and in this regard he spoke of the attack in Zavodna, Mali, involving the Ukrainian state.

The Head of State also lamented that African integration, which has so far been a folklore, has remained silent in the face of the attacks and sufferings in some African countries, citing the example of Sudan, Congo and the countries of the Sahel region, which are still waiting for action by the African Union to restore peace. He reminded the young people who have mobilized to listen to him today of the urgent need to remain united, strong and steadfast so that their descendants will follow in their footsteps and fight in turn and persevere to the end.

Ibrahim Traoré advises these young people who, despite the adversities, are doing everything they can for a better tomorrow, hoping that they can eliminate three evils from their habits and lives: “Cowardice, betrayal and ‘incompetence’. If our ancestors had been cowards, we would not be here. They (referring to the imperialists and those who are doing everything they can to bring down Faso) will try to scare us. But we must persevere. Let us be worthy, because cowards are not worthy!”

Speaking of betrayal, the head of state recalled the history of the black continent, recalling the painful experience of the slave trade and colonization, while denouncing the spirit of separatism that has shamed Africa. “In the past, some Africans were traitors. That is why leaders like Patrice Lumumba were betrayed, because they dared to resist imperialism! Today, they act to scare us, to make us traitors, and if you are afraid, you are a coward, you can never be afraid, because you are in danger of betraying yourself! “He assured.

Regarding the third vice, incompetence, Ibrahim Traoré did point the finger at those who make it their motto and constantly drag others down. “Incompetent people are bad! They make you doubt yourself. They don’t like competent people. They don’t like those who are innovative. They are dangerous! Seek knowledge and try to be competent! Let’s be aware that, for example, you will see that on social networks, those who take concrete actions do not have the support of their brothers, but when it comes to useless things, you will see that this person will have millions of views. It’s good to be interesting, but you have to work first! Seek knowledge, otherwise you will waste your time doing history!” the President insisted.

Young people said they have noticed the frank, direct and unfiltered messages coming from President Ibrahim Traoré. “When he speaks, you feel like he is speaking from his heart. It’s like he is opening up and showing you that he is genuine. He is our leader! Without him, two. If any other president was like that, I assure you, we would still not be in this situation,” commented one young person.

“I would be lying if I said I was not happy with IB, he made us proud, he was a role model for our youth, he was a symbol of fighting spirit. Anyway, I would be lying if I said his words did not touch me because he was sincere and has been waiting ever since,” said another.

Erwan Compaore

Lefaso.com