Guterres renews call for Africa’s Security Council seat
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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Education
Niger govt bans graduation ceremonies in private schools
The Niger Private Schools Board has discontinued graduation ceremonies in all private schools with immediate effect.
Abuja
Court sentences notorious bandit’s ally to 20 years’ imprisonment
The court convicted Muhammad Sani, arrested and prosecuted by SSS, for concealing information that could have led to the arrest of a notorious bandit.
Abuja
Social media won’t fetch Tinubu 10 million votes in 2027 election: City Boy Movement
“Ten million votes will not come from slogans or social media. They will come from real people, real members, real engagement and hard work,” CBM’s chief said.
States
SGBV: Abia child molesters convicted, sentenced to 40 years’ imprisonment
Two Abia child molesters have been convicted and sentenced to 30 years and 10 years’ imprisonment, respectively.
Showbiz
NFVCB launches film industry masterclass
NFVCB inaugurated its maiden Masterclass Series to strengthen Nigerian filmmakers’ legal, business and production skills for sustainable industry growth.
Anti-Corruption
Nigerian govt, security forces leaving gaps for criminal networks, illegal miners to fill: Reps
“That gap has a name: illegal mining, weak enforcement and the laundering of proceeds that should belong to the Nigerian people,” Sannio Abdulraheem said.
