United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized on Saturday, in Addis Ababa, the imperative of rectifying Africa’s absence from the United Nations Security Council, characterizing such exclusion as “unacceptable.”
In an address at the opening of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Guterres stated that the absence of permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council is “unacceptable,” underscoring that “Africa must be at the table for all decisions concerning the continent.”
He explained that these priorities represent the “Pact for the Future,” drafted by African leadership and the UN’s Africa support initiative, with emphasis on three principal fields: peace, economic development, and climate.
Regarding the establishment of peace in the region, Guterres stressed the necessity for an immediate halt to hostilities in Sudan, support for political dialogue in South Sudan, and respect for the ceasefire and territorial integrity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UN official also called for “fostering political and security gains in the Central African Republic, pushing for a political process in Libya with United Nations support, end violence in West Africa and the Sahel region, and secure sustainable financing for the African Union support and stabilization mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).”
Antonio Guterres stressed that the AU represents a model for multilateralism, affirming that his support for the organization at the United Nations “continues across all issues and initiatives.” Guterres noted that the AU-UN partnership, since he took office, has been based on respect, dialogue, and solidarity, and that cooperation has reached new levels over the past decade, with the adoption of joint framework on peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights, as well as the establishment of new partnerships.
He further highlighted the historic Security Council resolution that created a financing mechanism for AU-led peace operations.
The UN official reaffirmed support for AU’s priorities on “silencing the guns,” the African Humanitarian Agency, and strengthening inclusive political transitions, pledging to stand with Africa in confronting the legacy of slavery and colonialism, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, climate ambition, multilateralism, and reform of the global financial system and the Security Council.
On the economic front, Guterres addressed the financial challenges facing developing countries that hinder the sustainable development objectives, highlighting losses in debt servicing, illicit financial flows, and elevated interest rates compared to advanced economies.
In closing, the UN official pledged to continue bolstering the partnership for peace, sustainable development, and human rights in Africa, noting that Africa will remain a priority during his term.
