Foreign countries not worth the risk - Otafiire

By Andrew Ssenyonga

Justice and constitutional affairs minister, Kahinda Otafiire, has warned young Africans of the dangers faced by migrants across the Mediterranean and urged them to stay in their home countries and work hard.

The warning was sounded Tuesday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Uganda and the Pan African Movementists (PAM) aimed at facilitating their activities in the country and the continent.

Otafiire called on African governments to create employment opportunities and better environments for young people.

"Young people should not assume that Europe and other places outside Africa guarantee automatic comfort and pleasure," he said.

He added: "The Mediterranean has become a crisis zone because of the large numbers attempting to cross to Europe in boats that are usually ill-equipped and overcrowded."

The minister noted that the increased influx of Africans to Europe and other countries is modern day slavery.

"So what is the difference between those who were forced into slavery and these young people who are willingly leaving Africa to go and work in other countries? No one will give you respect for as long as you are on a foreign land," he advised.

Otafire said Africa has the resources and opportunities that are yet to be tapped; the youth should stay at home their governments have a lot for them.

Dr. Aisha Laraba Abdullahi, commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union, said rather than merely lamenting, Africa must work harder to reverse the dependency which has for so long marked its relationship with its foreign partners.

"African leaders must commit themselves with more determination to develop the continent in order to overcome the constraints which still hinder growth and foster youth flee to the continent," she explained