“When I look at Africa, I see hope and potential,” he told reporters at a news briefing in Addis Ababa. “I see countries working together, including here at the AU, to promote peace and development.”
Focusing on the huge untapped potential of African youth, he said their “unlimited energy” and “new ways of thinking” could provide solutions to deep-seated challenges, which could benefit the entire world.
‘Morally bankrupt’
Africa’s recovery, especially in light of the uneven rollout of the COVID vaccine since 2021, was held back by what he called “a morally bankrupt global financial system.”
Hostage to debt repayment, many countries are simply unable to move forward or invest, while food insecurity persists, most acutely in the Horn of Africa, where 36 million are at risk from a record drought.
Many countries are trapped in debt spirals, preventing investment in vital systems and services, while food insecurity stalks millions across the continent, including 36 million people suffering from the worst drought in decades in the Horn of Africa. .
repairing trust
In response, he said that the continent was “receiving mere drops of support to adjust to this destruction.
“The world counts on Africa. But Africa could not count on the world. That must change,” she stated. “We need to restore trust, boost development and put Africa’s future at the center of the solutions our world needs.”
First, he said that Africa needed new partnerships to boost stagnant economies and development. The tools are there to provide urgently needed support, but they need to be used “much more flexibly and quickly” such as favorable special drawing rights for liquidity and debt relief.
Second, Africa “deserves and needs climate support”, building on last month’s move towards climate justice secured at COP27 in Egypt, with the establishment of a Loss and Damage fund.
“However, the promise to double adaptation funding to $40 billion annually has not been fulfilled,” the UN chief noted, with sub-Saharan Africa adaptation costs alone estimated to reach $50 billion. annually for the next decade.
Joint press standout between Secretary General António Guterres (left) and the Chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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“Africa cannot pay this bill alone. Nor should it,” Mr. Guterres said. Developed countries must keep their commitment to provide $100 billion each year for developing nations and reform the entire architecture of international finance, he added.
“And I will continue to push for a Climate Solidarity Pact that mobilizes financial and technical support to accelerate the transition of emerging economies to renewable energy and keep the 1.5 degree target alive.”
Peace is never easy, but peace is always necessary – Secretary General
Finally, he said the content needs and deserves peace, with conflicts continuing from the Sahel to the Great Lakes and the northern regions of the AU’s own host country.
“Today we discuss how our organizations are working to ensure peace across the continent,” he added, including strengthening a negotiated settlement on Tigray, based on the recent AU-brokered cessation of hostilities agreement.
‘Peace is never easy’
In the midst of a wave of coups in recent months, he emphasized that “unconstitutional changes of government are not acceptable. They are not part of the civilized world.”
Robust peace enforcement and counter-terrorism operations in Africa, mandated by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, are essential, the UN chief said, backed by stable funding and predictable.
“Peace is never easy, but peace is always necessary,” he concluded. “The United Nations will continue to work with the AU to deliver the peace, prosperity and climate justice that the people of Africa deserve.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Secretary-General met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed along with AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat. Mr. Guterres reiterated his full support for the full implementation of the recent agreement on the end of the fighting in the north. He stressed that the entire UN system will provide humanitarian support to all who need it.
