Addis Ababa: United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres underscored that the world must never forget that Africa is a victim of the colossal and compounded injustices due to colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) kicked off this morning in Addis Ababa. Speaking at the opening of the assembly, the UN chief emphasized the profound impact of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, stating that the repercussions continue to affect Africans and people of African descent to this day.
Guterres asserted that it is time for reparatory justice frameworks to be established, remarking that decolonization alone has not been a solution. He noted that political independence did not liberate countries from structures of exploitation and decades of economic, social, and institutional underinvestment. He highlighted that Africa was under colonial domination when the current multilateral system was created, and that injustice persists.
The UN Secretary-General pointed out the lack of permanent African representation in the United Nations Security Council, stating, “There is no excuse that Africa still lacks permanent representation in the 21st century.” He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working with the African Union and member states to ensure that Africa’s rightful representation and justice are realized.
Additionally, Guterres emphasized the need to reform the international financial system, describing it as outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair. He declared, “We will keep pressing together for an international financial architecture that is no longer outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair.”
He stressed that addressing age-old injustices is crucial for tackling current challenges, adding that solutions are available. Guterres acknowledged Africa’s support for the pact for the future at the United Nations last year, which he said was vital for its approval. “Our task now is to make those commitments a reality,” he concluded.