Pretoria - With the International Day of Democracy being observed globally, the Commissioner for Political Affairs at the African Union says the only way to silence the guns in Africa is through strengthening democratic institutions.
“This is because a culture of democracy is a flipside of a culture of peace,” Dr Aisha Abdullahi said in her message to mark the day on Monday.
The United Nations International Day of Democracy is observed each year on 15 September.
According to the United Nations, democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.
This year’s theme, Engaging Young People on Democracy, highlights the challenges and opportunities of young people engaging in democratic processes.
Abdullahi said the theme is a reminder of the critical role of young people as the greatest resource for the sustenance of democratic ideas, values and practices globally.
She said strengthening democratic institutions and inculcating a culture of democracy can only be sustained through active and meaningful engagement of young people, who are estimated to be over 60% of Africa’s population.
“We must therefore continue to effectively harness the creative energies of Africa’s youth and enhance structures for them to participate, strengthen and deepen democratisation,” she said.
Abdullahi reiterated the AU’s commitment to engaging young people in its programmes and activities. – SAnews.gov.za
