AU chief wary of COVID-19 impact on the youth

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The youth are among the hardest-hit group by the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa, according to the African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Mahamat made the remarks in a statement on Sunday as the continent marked the 2020 Africa Youth Day.

He called for greater involvement of the youth in any responses to the pandemic as well as the continent's health strategies.

"The youth are among the hardest hit by the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, and their participation and voices must be part of the solutions to a healthier, safer Africa," the AU chief said.

The AUC chairperson's statement comes as the number of COVID-19 infections in Africa surpassed the 1.78 million mark with a death toll exceeding 42,000.

Mahamat also urged the continent not to let the pandemic derail its commitment to the plight of the youth.

"As the continent strives to ensure that this pandemic does not reverse the hard-won developmental gains of the past three decades, a commitment to improving the lives, access to education and opportunity for the Youth remains paramount to our goal of achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063," he said.

"I also take this opportunity to encourage the Member States to accelerate and intensify investments in Youth and increase Youth engagement, to ensure a future where every young African has agency, hope and dignity," he added.

The 2020 Africa Youth Day was held under the theme; Youth Voices, Actions, Engagement: Building A Better Africa.