UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that Africa is a vital voice for global good, serving as a beacon of unity and solidarity in a fractured world.
In his address at a UN Security Council session on Thursday, which focused on enhancing the role of African nations in tackling global security and development challenges, Guterres stated that peace is crucial for Africa’s future and for bolstering the continent’s influence in global peacebuilding efforts.
Highlighting several conflicts on the continent, he pointed to the “escalating humanitarian nightmare in Sudan,” now entering its second year, with increasing hostilities in Al-Fashir marking a worrying new chapter in the conflict.
Guterres reiterated that Africa is a “vital voice for global good,” home to numerous examples of unity and solidarity. According to the UN website, he noted that this unity is evident in Africa’s focus on eradicating poverty and hunger, supporting refugees crossing borders, and achieving sustainable development.
However, he stressed that these efforts require peace within Africa and beyond, adding that “far too many Africans are trapped in the hell of conflict or live under the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in their communities.”
He called for a concerted global push to achieve a ceasefire, followed by a comprehensive peace process to end the bloodshed in Sudan.
Guterres also highlighted the impact of escalating climate change and geopolitical tensions on the continent. He remarked that in some countries, “we witness severe human rights abuses, a pandemic of gender-based and sexual violence, violations of international law, and a global climate of impunity.”
