Before the UN General Assembly, Joe Biden congratulates Zambian youth

President Joe Biden at the 76th UN General Assembly.

AP - Eduardo Munoz

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

During his speech at the UN, US President Joe Biden praised democratic values, which he believes is the best bulwark against authoritarianism.

He then cited several examples, notably Zambia, a southern African country which saw a new political alternation this summer with the election of the opponent Hakainde Hichilema.

A victory which, for Biden, would not have taken place without the Zambian youth, to whom the American president reserved a special mention.

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Recalling his participation in the presidential election, Joe Biden congratulated

the Zambian youth

for their enthusiasm for change.

“ 

The democratic world exists everywhere.

He is embodied by anti-corruption activists, human rights defenders, he is also embodied by the Zambian youth who, for the first time, used the power of their ballot, going massively to the polls to denounce corruption and

chart a new course for his country

 ”, declared the American head of state.

"It feels good to be mentioned among the defenders of rights"

On August 12, more than 70% of voters went to the polls, mostly young people, like Natacha Lungu, a student, who voted for the first time. This massive vote led to the election of the opponent Hakainde Hichilema. The reaction of this young voter to Joe Biden's speech? Pride.

“ 

It feels good to be mentioned among human rights defenders, to know that young people have power and that they have exercised it during the ballot.

In general, it's good to see that young people are part of the change we are currently experiencing.

And it shows that if you are interested in what is happening in your country and you are passionate about changing what is wrong, change is possible and young people have the power to use their vote well, 

”she says. .

A message addressed to the rest of the African youth.

However, Natasha is still waiting to see what

Hakainde Hichilema's

new presidency

will bring to the country, but she is optimistic.

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  • Gambia

  • Joe biden

  • UN

  • Hakainde Hichilema