Young people of Africa, let’s take action! Dr. Zacharia W. TIEMTORÉ

This book, structured around four pillars, expresses the enthusiasm of a young African who believes in the major role his generation could and should play in achieving a strong, courageous Africa that occupies a prominent place in the world.

Mr. Abdou Diouf, Secretary General of the Francophonie and former President of the Republic of Senegal, in writing the preface to this book, emphasizes the capabilities of African youth and the strength they represent to give Africa new momentum and a brighter future.

Young Africans, let’s act!

Dr. Zacharia W. Tiemtoré

L’Harmattan, 2013

From the very first part, the book’s educational nature is readily apparent. Without pretension or arrogance, but with rigor and method, the work attempts to reconcile young people with politics by pointing to a new path, a different way for building our states and Africa.

Its author, Zacharia W. Tiemtoré, presents arguments to convince young Africans to choose boldness, selflessness, and rigorous work.

He explains that African youth must move beyond complaints and engage in politics with conviction, determination, and courage, because politics is the primary tool for guiding, acting, and transforming.
Presenting the principles that should be constants for the young political generation, the author emphasizes the principles of sincerity and transparency, the principle of continuous renewal of political personnel, and the principles of competence, modesty, and tenacity.

Against all those who have fostered the belief that politics is a lawless arena where all forms of villainy are permitted, Zacharia W. Tiemtoré speaks out and calls for a restoration of value to political discourse through pragmatism and sincerity, because, he says, « the people always remember those who have not lied to them. »

According to the author, the renewal of political personnel is a vital principle for achieving a strong, functional, and lasting rule of law. Indeed, he argues, when power does not circulate freely, the rule of law stagnates and falls into decay.

The book naturally addresses the future of Africa and the struggle for unity. Younger generations are called upon to continue the work of their predecessors who fought for the freedom and dignity of Africa. Fifty years after the creation of the Organization of African Unity, the book offers an uncompromising analysis of the process leading to unity and proposes a new strategy. Convinced that in the end only actions remain, the author invites action by reflecting on concrete ideas that deserve to be known and shared.