Burundi’s ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana, has urged African leaders to prioritise education for displaced children across the continent.

Mr Nduwimana made the call in a virtual address during the Africa Day celebration in Abuja.

Africa Day is celebrated annually on May 25.

The ambassador said armed conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism and humanitarian crises had displaced millions of Africans and disrupted children’s access to education.

He expressed concern that many children in refugee and internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps remained out of school and lacked opportunities to develop their potential.

According to him, denying children access to education undermines Africa’s long-term development and prosperity.

“An African child that is deprived of education today or abandoned tomorrow could have contributed one way or the other toward advancing Africa’s future,” he said.

Mr Nduwimana emphasised the need for sustained investment in education, particularly during emergencies and humanitarian situations.

He said education should remain a critical component of recovery efforts alongside humanitarian assistance for affected populations.

The envoy called on African governments and development partners to strengthen collaboration and increase investment in the education of displaced children.

He said such efforts would create opportunities for children affected by conflict, poverty and forced migration.

Mr Nduwimana also advocated stronger continental cooperation to address terrorism and other security threats confronting African countries.

“Terrorism and all forms of insecurity respect no borders. There is a need for a united and sustained African response for a sustainable solution.

“Protecting children’s access to education must remain central to Africa’s development agenda and long-term peacebuilding efforts,” he said. 

(NAN)