Kuwait City: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for Africa to gain permanent representation at the UN Security Council, a move he considers long overdue in the 21st century. Speaking at the 38th African Union Summit, Guterres addressed the historical injustices that have left Africa without a permanent voice on the global stage.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Guterres highlighted the compounded injustices Africa has faced, starting with the impacts of colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. He noted that while decolonization granted political independence, it failed to dismantle exploitative structures and address economic and social underdevelopment. He called for reparatory justice frameworks to correct these enduring injustices.
Guterres underscored that Africa's absence in the formation of the current multilateral system, including the Security Council, is a lingering injustice. He pledged to collaborate with the African Union and member states to secure two permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council. He also stressed the need for a fair and functional international financial architecture, pointing to the essential role Africa played in driving the "Pact for the Future" at the United Nations.
Addressing current challenges, Guterres outlined four areas for action, including peace and security. He expressed concern over the crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Sahel, emphasizing the necessity for international cooperation to halt conflicts and terrorism. He also called for support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.
Guterres touched upon the situation in Gaza, advocating for a permanent ceasefire and the pursuit of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. He expressed hope for peace in the Middle East, urging tangible progress toward coexistence.
The African Union Summit commenced under the theme of "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations," echoing the Secretary-General's call for addressing historical grievances.