AU Special Representative challenges Somali youth to be more responsive to the country’s needs

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Maman Sidikou is encouraging Somali youth to be responsive to the needs of their country by taking keen interest in it’s socio-economic and political rebirth.

As the world marks International Youth Day, Ambassador Sidikou is urging Somali youth to be more proactive by contributing to the realization of the country’s Vision 2016.

“As Somalia’s youth, your voices need to be heard in the country’s rebirth. You need to express your views on Somalia’s stabilization efforts. I call on you to refrain from any attempt to derail you from your purpose, which is to make Somalia a better place to live in. I urge you to reject the lure to engage in terrorist activities and desist Al-Shabaab’s manipulation,” said Ambassador Sidikou.

He appealed to the Federal Government to put in place mechanisms that support youth employment and participation in the country’s development. The theme of this year’s International Youth Day is ‘Youth Civic Engagement’. It is meant to draw attention to issues affecting the youth worldwide and also engage them in conversations with their leaders.

Recent indicators show that youth in Somalia comprise of 80-percent of the country’s estimated 12 million people.