'No More Exploitation'- UN Chief at the 39th African Union Summit | United Nations

Addressing the African Union (AU) Summit Secretary-General António Guterres said, “No more exploitation. No more plundering. The people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa.” Speaking at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, amid conflict and tensions in several AU member states, the Secretary-General said, “In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, commitments must be honoured – starting with an immediate ceasefire and the respect of the territorial integrity of the DRC. In the Central African Republic, political and security gains must be consolidated. In Libya, all actors must advance a Libyan-led political process, supported by the United Nations Support Mission. Across West Africa and the Sahel, coordinated efforts are essential to end cycles of violence, terrorism and displacement. And in Somalia, sustained and predictable funding for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission is vital.” In regards to peacekeeping in Somalia he also said, he regretted “the Security Council’s lack of consensus for finance through assessed contributions.” He said, “If the Mission of the AU in Somalia did not warrant global support, what would?” He assured: “More broadly, we are reviewing peace operations to ensure mandates are realistic, sequenced and well-resourced and supported by clear transition strategies.” He also said, “In a world filled with division and mistrust, the African Union is a flagship for multilateralism. My gratitude runs deep. I will carry with me always the unwavering, decisive support of the African Group in the UN on issue after issue – initiative after initiative – in the shared struggle for justice and equality.” Looking back, he noted, “Over the last decade, our cooperation has reached new heights. Joint frameworks on peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. Collaboration during COVID-19. Important new partnerships. And the landmark adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719, creating a pathway for predictable funding for AU-led peace support operations.” Guterres pointed out, that, “the absence of permanent African seats in the Security Council is indefensible.” He said, “this is 2026 — not 1946. Whenever decisions about Africa and the world are on the table, Africa must be at the table.” The Secretary-General added, “Africa loses more each year in debt repayments and illicit financial flows than it receives in aid. At the same time, African countries pay borrowing rates up to eight times higher than those of advanced economies. We must triple the lending capacity of multilateral development banks. Mobilize more private financing. Reduce borrowing costs and risks, and support countries in situations of over-indebtedness. And reform the international financial architecture to ensure developing countries, particularly African countries, have full voice and participation in financial institutions and decision-making.” He concluded, “Some have described my presence here as a farewell. It’s not true. I can guarantee that until the last moment of my mandate, Africa will be the priority number one of the UN in all its activities.” Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2026-02-14/secretary-generals-remarks-the-39th-african-union-summit


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