TheCable

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the quest of  African youths to seek greener pastures abroad through illegal means as an embarrassment to African leaders.

Speaking on Sunday during the opening session of the 25th assembly of heads of state and government of the African Union in Johannesburg, South Africa, Buhari appealed to his counterparts across the continent to work towards sustaining economic growth in their respective countries.

“The images in the international mass media of African youths getting drowned in the Mediterranean sea on their illegal attempts, and often times illusory hope of attaining better life in Europe is not only an embarrassment to us as leaders, but dehumanises our persons,” he said.

“Indeed, they combine to paint a very unfavourable picture of our people and countries. Those of us gathered here today owe it as a duty to reverse this ugly trend. We must put an end to the so-called push factors that compel our young men and women to throw caution to the winds and risk life, limbs and all, on this dangerous adventure.

“We must redouble our efforts to sustain the economic development of our countries, ensure empowerment of our youths, create more jobs, improve and upgrade our infrastructure, and above all continue the enthronement of a regime of democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and rule of law. These and other measures that engender peace and stability must be pursued relentlessly.”

Buhari said the continent was experiencing a myriad of challenges.

“Our continent is currently bedeviled by the twin evils of terrorism and insecurity; poverty, youth unemployment, and underdevelopment,” he said.

“The destructive effects of the inhuman and criminal campaigns of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria and neighbouring countries; the Al-Shabab attacks in East Africa, and the activities of the Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb, all bear testimony to a continent under siege.”

However, he recalled the smooth transition of power in Nigeria, commending former president Goodluck Jonathan and the international community for helping the country accomplish such feat.

He added that the election, which was “adjudged the fairest and most credible in the history of Nigeria, was sustained through the determination of the people, and their desire to deepen democracy”.

“I cannot fail to acknowledge the very positive role played by my predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan, in averting the feared crisis, and in facilitating the peaceful transition of power between the two parties.

“I agree that it is indeed historic because for the first time in the practice of democracy in my country, an opposition party has defeated the ruling party in a keenly contested election.

“The election was also held against the backdrop of the fears and concerns expressed both in Nigeria and among our international friends abroad and partners that the outcome of the election could spell doom for Nigeria.

“I am glad that even though those fears and concerns were not without basis, the outcome was totally different, to the relief of all of us.

“I therefore wish to seize this opportunity to convey my very deep appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of that election.”