Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Addis Ababa, Feb 15.- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said today that the world must not forget that Africa is a victim of profound injustices and made an urgent call for peace on the continent.
Guterres, speaking at the 38th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, mentioned the current legacies of colonialism and slavery, echoing the central theme of the conclave: “Justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations.”
He recalled the leadership of figures such as Sam Nujoma, the recently deceased founding father and first president of Namibia, whose life was celebrated by the assembly.
He considered the lack of permanent representation of Africa in the UN Security Council unacceptable, in addition to demanding a reform of the international financial architecture.
The UN Secretary-General stressed the urgent need for peace and security when referring to the crisis in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the latter where the continued offensives of the March 23 Movement (M23) threaten to destabilize the region.
He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Kinshasa, while warning of terrorism in the Sahel region and the current crisis in Gaza.
The speech also addressed the need to advance the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Guterres noted that Africa's growth is hampered by the high cost of borrowing and, in that regard, called for increased financial support and investment in the continent.
He referred to the climate crisis and the serious disasters that the continent is facing. He stressed the importance of climate justice, including the financing for adaptation and the Loss and Damage Fund.
Likewise, he urged developed countries to double financing for adaptation and significantly boost that fund.
Before concluding, he mentioned the importance of artificial intelligence and the need to ensure that it benefits all humanity.
He highlighted the strength of the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, as well as the potential of the continent and the African Continental Free Trade Area. (Text and Photos: PL)
