The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, emphasized the importance of Africa’s role in global peace and security during a debate convened by Mozambique, the Council president for May. He highlighted Africa’s unity and solidarity in addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, sustainable development, and financial system reform. However, he also expressed concern about the conflicts and terrorism plaguing the continent, particularly the situation in Sudan, where increased hostilities are leading to a deepening humanitarian crisis. Guterres called for a global push for a ceasefire and comprehensive peace process in Sudan to end the bloodshed.
To strengthen Africa’s peace leadership, Guterres outlined three key steps. Firstly, he emphasized the need for peace within Africa itself, highlighting the UN’s partnership with the African Union (AU) and support for the ‘Silencing the Guns’ initiative. He praised the Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2719, allowing AU-led peace support operations to access UN assessed contributions. Guterres emphasized the importance of defusing conflicts before they escalate, effectively managing them when they occur, and building sustainable peace once resolved. Secondly, he called for African participation and leadership to be integrated into the global peace and security architecture, advocating for reform of outdated institutions like the UN Security Council to address structural inequalities that disproportionately affect African states.
Despite facing challenges, Guterres commended African countries for their contributions to global peace efforts. He applauded Kenya for spearheading a Multilateral Security Support Mission to be deployed to Haiti to address rampant gang violence, with other African nations offering to send troops as well. Guterres recognized the role of African states in peacekeeping missions and their commitment to addressing security challenges beyond the continent. By participating in international peace efforts, African countries are demonstrating their willingness to contribute to global security and stability.
In conclusion, Guterres emphasized the urgency of unleashing Africa’s peace power to address global security and development challenges. He called for a concerted effort to end conflicts and terrorism in Africa, particularly in Sudan, and highlighted the need for a global push for a ceasefire and comprehensive peace process. By strengthening Africa’s peace leadership, reforming outdated institutions, and integrating African participation into the global peace and security architecture, Guterres believes that the continent can play a significant role in promoting peace and stability worldwide. Despite facing obstacles, African countries have shown a willingness to contribute to global peace efforts, exemplified by their involvement in peacekeeping missions and support for initiatives to address security challenges beyond their borders.
