The permanent observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations has called on the international community to support African countries on their path to stability, peace, and economic development.

Archbishop Paul Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations of the Holy See, said this on Monday while delivering the Holy See’s statement to the 80th session of the General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York.

Mr Gallagher, head of the Delegation of the Holy See, said that in the face of challenges, the resilience of African communities, especially young people, remains an essential resource that must be supported.

He said that it must be supported by targeted investments in education, health, infrastructure, and inclusive governance models.

“More than ever, a coherent and lasting commitment by the international community is essential, based on genuine cooperation, respect for local needs, and shared responsibility, to support African countries on their path to stability, peace, and economic development,’’ said Mr Gallagher.

According to him, the Holy See notes that democracy in many countries in Africa is showing signs of progress, with a growing commitment to multiparty elections, civic participation, and institutional reforms.

He, however, noted that significant obstacles remain, including authoritarianism, arbitrary constitutional reforms, and endemic corruption, which fuel mistrust in institutions.

“The instability afflicting many African States generates profound and interconnected challenges, with serious social, economic, and humanitarian repercussions.

“Forced migration, internal displacement, and the collapse of essential services deprive millions of people of security, health, and education, while youth unemployment fuels the informal economy and, in some cases, recruitment into armed groups.

“Women and children, in particular, suffer violence and exploitation of all kinds,’’ added Mr Gallagher.

In this scenario, Mr Gallagher noted that the Sahel, Cabo Delgado, and certain areas of the Horn of Africa emerge as zones of instability.

“In fact, the jihadist threat, endemic poverty, illicit trafficking, the climate crisis, and internal conflicts converge in a spiral that puts the lives of millions of people at risk, despite the efforts of local governments. School dropouts caused by the security crisis expose many minors to serious dangers, compromising the future of the continent and fostering new forms of marginalisation,’’ he said.

Regarding the Congo, he stated that the Holy See welcomed the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the DRC and the M23 armed group, as well as the Peace Agreement signed by the Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministers, which aims to end decades of fighting in the east of the country.

The Holy See envoy, however, said that the fratricidal conflict in Sudan was  a source of grave concern, since it continues to cause death and destruction, inflicting suffering on the civilian population.

“The Holy See strongly renews its appeal for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the commencement of genuine negotiations, the only means by which all Sudanese people can forge a future of peace and reconciliation. .

According to him, the Holy See is closely monitoring developments in South Sudan, calling on all political actors to commit to the path of dialogue and collaboration, and to implement the 2018 Peace Agreement with sincerity and responsibility, as the foundation for building peaceful and just coexistence.

In addition, he called on the global community to act collectively to end conflicts, fight poverty, and advance human rights.

The United Nations must adapt to a transformed world, he stressed, remaining effective in the face of environmental degradation, technological disruption, and emerging threats that no one country can tackle alone.

The war in Ukraine must end now, he said, renewing Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for an immediate ceasefire paving the way for sincere and courageous dialogue, echoing the pontiff’s call for a permanent ceasefire, the release of hostages, and full respect for international humanitarian law.

He warned against actions in the Caribbean Sea that might destabilize coexistence between nations and undermine international law.

With international support, social and institutional conditions can hopefully be established towards peace and security in Haiti, he said.

On the future of the United Nations, the Holy See called for a recommitment to the original principles enshrined in the Charter.

(NAN)