AU-PSC: Morocco reiterates need to place youth issues at heart of peace-security-development nexus in Africa

Morocco has reiterated the need to place youth issues at the heart of the peace-security-development nexus in Africa and stressed the potential that youth represent for the growth and development of the continent.

40% of the population of the African continent is under 25 years old, stressed the potential that this population represents for the growth and development of the continent, as well as its role in advancing the objectives of peace and security.

Speaking at a meeting Monday of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) devoted to the theme of youth, peace and security in Africa, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the AU and the UNECA, Mohamed Arrouchi, highlighted the far-sighted Royal Vision putting youth at the heart of the new development model and developing an integrated strategy dedicated to improving conditions and prospects for young people.

The Moroccan diplomat who recalled that 40% of the population of the African continent is under 25 years old, stressed the potential that this population represents for the growth and development of the continent, as well as its role in advancing the objectives of peace and security.

Arrouchi, who leads the Moroccan delegation at this session, reiterated the relevant UN resolutions on youth, peace and security, recognizing the positive role that youth can play in the negotiation and implementation of peace agreements, conflict prevention, and the maintenance and promotion of international peace and security.

In light of the appointment of a Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Youth as well as the appointment of five youth ambassadors representing each of the sub-regions of the continent, the Moroccan delegation underlined that these recent developments will give a new impetus to the role of youth in preserving and promoting peace and security in Africa.

The Moroccan delegation recommended continuing efforts to encourage an effective contribution of youth to good governance, peace and security in Africa, initiating a platform for reflection and dialogue in collaboration with the UN dedicated to the theme of youth-peace-security-development, as well as developing concrete and decisive continental actions for peace, security and human development.

The Moroccan delegation also welcomed the highly commendable initiative of Burundi to organize this reflection meeting, crowned by the adoption of the Bujumbura Declaration on Youth, Peace and Security in Africa, and proposed on this occasion the organization of an annual meeting of the Peace and Security Council to follow up on the implementation of the said Declaration.