United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres has renewed calls for Africa’s fair representation among permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Guterres spoke on Wednesday during the 10th African Union-United Nations High-Level Dialogue in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He said, “This is not about privilege or symbolism. It is about ensuring that the Council is fit for purpose. It must also act with legitimacy and effectiveness in today’s world.”

Mr Guterres described the AU-UN partnership as one of the most strategic multilateral alliances supporting peace and development across Africa.

He said the partnership had strengthened coordination, governance frameworks, humanitarian responses, and human rights efforts across the continent.

Mr Guterres said the occasion carried deep emotion, as it could be his final summit with the African Union. He assured African leaders of the United Nations’ continued support for the continent’s development and reform initiatives.

Mr Guterres said Africa’s success remained essential to the progress and stability of the wider world.

After a working lunch, both parties signed a declaration reaffirming principles guiding their joint frameworks.

The declaration reinforced commitments to multilateral cooperation, African leadership, peace, security, sustainable development, and human rights.

Addressing journalists, Mr Guterres said he had prioritised building a unique strategic partnership with the African Union. He highlighted close cooperation in supporting the African Union’s ‘Silencing the Guns’ initiative across conflict zones.

Mr Guterres said Africa should always be recognised as a continent of enormous wealth, potential, and opportunity.

Responding to questions, he condemned foreign interference in African conflicts.

He said, “It is absolutely intolerable for external actors to fuel African conflicts. They provide weapons and political support only to advance strategic or economic interests.”

Mr Guterres later met with African Union officials and French President Emmanuel Macron. The leaders discussed reforms to global governance and international financial systems affecting African nations.

They also exchanged views on the Middle East conflict and its implications for African countries.

(NAN)