United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said Africa deserves fair representation among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, renewing calls for reforms to make the global body more inclusive and effective.
Guterres made the call on Wednesday during the 10th African Union-United Nations High-Level Dialogue held in Addis Ababa.
“This is not about privilege or symbolism,” Guterres said.
“It is about ensuring that the Council is fit for purpose.
“It must also act with legitimacy and effectiveness in today’s world.”
The UN chief described the African Union-United Nations partnership as one of the most strategic multilateral alliances supporting peace and development across the African continent.
According to him, the partnership has strengthened coordination, governance frameworks, humanitarian responses, and human rights efforts across Africa.
Guterres noted that the occasion carried deep personal significance, saying it could be his final summit with the African Union as Secretary-General of the United Nations.
He assured African leaders of the UN’s continued support for the continent’s development priorities and reform initiatives, stressing that Africa’s success remained critical to global peace and stability.
Following a working lunch, both parties signed a joint declaration reaffirming the principles guiding their cooperation frameworks.
The declaration reinforced commitments to multilateral cooperation, African leadership, peace and security, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Guterres said he had made it a priority to build a unique strategic partnership with the African Union.
He highlighted ongoing collaboration in support of the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative across conflict zones on the continent.
Guterres also stressed that Africa should be recognised as a continent rich in resources, opportunity, and economic potential.
Responding to questions on insecurity across the continent, he condemned foreign interference in African conflicts.
“It is absolutely intolerable for external actors to fuel African conflicts,” he said.
“They provide weapons and political support only to advance strategic or economic interests.”
Guterres later held talks with African Union officials and Emmanuel Macron.
The discussions focused on reforms to global governance structures and international financial systems affecting African countries.
The leaders also exchanged views on the Middle East conflict and its implications for African nations.
