United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for solidarity with Africa to address the multifaceted challenges engulfing the continent and its peoples.
Addressing the press on Saturday, Guterres said terrorism, violence, insecurity, and conflict are arising across the continent, jeopardizing human lives and rights while democratic gains are disappearing in some countries of the continent.
“A cost of living crisis – with rising food and energy costs, climate chaos that is causing floods and deadly droughts and complex peace and security threats – including rampant terrorism are jeopardizing people’s lives across the continent,” Guterres said.
Guterres has urged for remedial measures to a dysfunctional and unfair global financial system that denies many African countries debt relief and concessional financing.
“We must draw on the continent’s natural, human, cultural and entrepreneurial richness to make this a reality. I call on the world to act for Africa, act for Africa’s economy,” he said.
Guterres also announced 250 million U.S. dollars to combat famine across Africa and to support some of the most vulnerable people in most forgotten crises around the world.
The Secretary-General also proposed the creation of African Union-led peace enforcement missions and counter-terrorism operations, with the Security Council making predictable funding.
