ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and UN Secretary General, António Guterres have reiterated call for reforming United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and securing Africa permanent seat at UNSC.
The remark came when PM Abiy, António Guterres and Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahmat inaugurated the renovated Africa Hall in Addis Ababa.
On the occasion, PM Abiy stated that Africa Hall is more than just a physical space as the decisions made at the hall have initiated African influences, policies and defined Africa’s position on the global stage.
“Africa Hall stands as a symbol of African voice,” the premier remarked.
Calling Africans to continue advocating for the collective interest of Africa in the rapidly changing world, PM Abiy reiterated Ethiopia’s firm belief in the need to reform the UNSC.
He underlined the critical importance of securing Africa a permanent seat at UNSC in line with Africa’s interests and stances.
For his part, UN Chief António Guterres noted that the renewed Africa Hall symbolizes the renewed hope and unity of Africa. The Hall is a bridge between Africa’s past and future, Guterres said.
Despite the hopes, the Chief noted that Africa continues facing challenges deeply rooted in history, due to colonialism and these difficulties are aggravated by climate change, conflict and persistent poverty.
According to Guterres, these issues require resolute actions and renewed cooperation.
Commending the renewal of the historic Africa Hall, UN Chief has called for the reform of global institutions built where most of African nations were under colonial rule.
“Our global institutions were built at a time when most of Africa was under colonial rule,” Guterres stated adding these institutions are unable to respond to the aspirations and drives of the African people.
Due to lack of reforms, Africa still has no permanent seat at the Security Council, Guterres underlined with a hope to see Africa at UNSC, saying, “let so it would be corrected soon.”
Africa Hall, originally built and donated by the Government of Ethiopia in 1961, has hosted the meeting of the formation of African continental organization, the Organization of African Unity/OAU, the current African Union by 32 leaders in 1963, it was learnt.
BY DARGIE KAHSAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 23 OCTOBER 2024
