Call from African Leaders for Representation and Justice at the UN

Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly on 22-24 September, African leaders called for increasing Africa's representation in global decision-making mechanisms and creating financing opportunities in line with the continent's development priorities.

The leaders also emphasized that Africa should obtain more economic value from its natural resources and that a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue should be implemented.

According to the information compiled by the AA correspondent from the General Assembly speeches of African leaders, UNSC reform, inequalities in the global financial system, processing of natural resources within the continent and the Palestine issue were among the prominent topics in the speeches on September 22-24.

Kenyan President William Ruto stated that Africa's not being among the permanent members of the UNSC is incompatible with the continent's position in global decision-making processes and called for permanent representation for Africa.

Noting that Africa constitutes more than a quarter of the General Assembly with 54 UN member countries, Ruto said that the UNSC should be reformed to reflect the realities of today's world.

Noting that developing countries have access to high-cost financing, Ruto called for the reform of the international financial system, for development banks to provide longer-term financing and for African countries to have a greater say in global financial decisions.

Ruto also emphasized that Africa should have a greater say in decisions affecting the continent in the global financial system.

Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio emphasized that the structure of the UNSC reflects the geopolitical balances after the Second World War and does not adequately meet today's political, economic and demographic realities.

Bio pointed out that Africa's lack of permanent representation in the Council undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the institution, and called for the continent to be further included in global decision-making processes.

Seychelles President Patrick Herminie stated that Africa should be represented in the UNSC with at least two permanent seats and said that as long as the veto right continues to exist, Africa should also have this right.

Herminie also called for stronger multilateralism and greater adherence to international law.

President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadera, drew attention to the security problems and development needs facing his country and called for the international community to increase its support for the peace and development efforts of African countries.

Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie called for a more equitable and inclusive multilateral system, emphasizing that Africa should have a more meaningful voice in global decision-making processes.

Selassie said that technological and economic progress should also benefit Africa and other developing countries while finding solutions to climate change, artificial intelligence and increasing global inequalities.

Africa's call for a two-state solution in Palestine

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama pointed out that Africa should be seen as an equal partner, not as a recipient of aid, and said that the continent needs long-term, affordable financing for development, industrialization and adaptation to climate change.

"Africa does not want aid. Africa wants equal partnership based on mutual respect," Mahama said. he said.

Underlining that Africa should process its natural resources, especially critical minerals, within the continent and create local industry and employment instead of exporting raw materials, Mahama asked developed countries to fulfill their commitments in climate finance.

Addressing the Palestinian issue, Mahama emphasized that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank tests the reliability of the international community, and reiterated his support for the recognition of the State of Palestine and his call for a negotiated two-state solution.

"Nowhere is there a more painful example of this crisis of credibility than the ongoing persecution of the Palestinian people in Gaza, the West Bank and the occupied territories," Mahama said. made his assessment.

Tanzanian Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi also called for reforming the international financial system to meet the development needs of developing countries and facilitating access to affordable long-term finance.

Ndejembi explained that by announcing Tanzania's candidacy for temporary membership of the UNSC for the 2029-2030 period, they aim to have a strong African voice in the Council.

Touching on the Palestine issue, Ndejembi stated that they support the Palestinian people's right to self-determination, and that they support the two-state solution by calling for the protection of civilians in Gaza and the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.

Somali President Hasan Sheikh Mahmud also emphasized the need for stronger representation of Africa in global decision-making processes and called for strengthening the multilateral system and restoring trust in the UN.

Mahmud also talked about Somalia's progress in the fields of security, democratization, strengthening of state institutions and economic development.

Touching on the Palestinian issue, Mahmud reiterated Somalia's support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.

Calling for a fair and permanent solution based on the two-state solution, Mahmud pointed out that the Palestine issue should be addressed with the joint efforts of the international community.

Demand from African leaders for a more equitable position in the financial system

Topics such as access to development finance, reducing the debt burden, technology transfer and obtaining more economic value from the continent's natural resources were also brought to the agenda in the speeches of African leaders.

The leaders also supported the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and called for a permanent solution based on the two-state solution.

While the general discussions at the 81st UN General Assembly continued on 22-28 September, demands for a stronger representation of Africa in global decision-making mechanisms and a more equitable position in the economic and financial system came to the fore in the messages of the leaders who spoke on 22-24 September.