Algerian Radio
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, stressed on Saturday in Addis Ababa the need to put an end to Africa’s absence from the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that such exclusion is “unacceptable.”
Speaking at the opening of the 39th African Union Summit at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Mr. Antonio Guterres stated that the lack of permanent African representation on the Security Council is “unacceptable,” underlining that “Africa must be at the table in all decisions concerning the continent.”
He explained that these priorities are reflected in the “Pact for the Future,” shaped by African leadership and supported by the United Nations initiative for Africa, with a focus on three key areas: peace, economic action, and climate.
Regarding peacebuilding in the region, he stressed the need to commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan, support political dialogue in South Sudan, and uphold the ceasefire and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The UN official also called for “consolidating political and security gains in the Central African Republic, advancing a UN-supported political process in Libya, ending violence in West Africa and the Sahel region, and securing sustainable financing for the stabilization support mission in Somalia.”
Mr. Antonio Guterres further affirmed that the African Union represents a model of multilateralism, emphasizing that the United Nations’ support for the organization “remains steadfast across all issues and initiatives.”
He noted that the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, since the beginning of his mandate, has been based on respect, dialogue, and solidarity, adding that cooperation has reached new heights over the past decade through the adoption of joint frameworks on peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, as well as the establishment of new partnerships. He also referred to the historic Security Council resolution establishing a financing mechanism for African Union-led peace support operations.
The UN Secretary-General reiterated his support for African Union priorities, including the “Silencing the Guns” initiative, the African humanitarian agency, and the strengthening of inclusive political transitions. He also reaffirmed his commitment to standing alongside Africa in addressing the legacy of slavery and colonialism, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting climate ambition, strengthening multilateralism, and reforming the global financial architecture and the Security Council.
On the economic front, Mr. Antonio Guterres highlighted the financial challenges facing developing countries, which hinder the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. He pointed to debt servicing losses, illicit financial flows, and higher interest rates compared to advanced economies.
In conclusion, the UN Secretary-General pledged to continue strengthening the partnership in support of peace, sustainable development, and human rights in Africa, affirming that Africa will remain a central priority throughout his mandate.
