African Leaders Call for Action on Genocide and Climate Change at UN Assembly
African leaders gathered for the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, emphasizing the urgency of addressing genocide, climate change, and fostering unity among their nations to create a better future, reports 24brussels.
During his address, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighted the importance of this milestone as an opportunity to reinforce the values of peace, development, and human rights on a global scale. He expressed concern over the deteriorating geopolitical landscape and the need for a balanced understanding of history, both within the DRC and internationally.
Tshisekedi’s participation underscored the DRC’s role as a significant regional player and a proactive participant in global discussions. He urged international collaboration to tackle pressing issues such as ongoing violence in the eastern regions of the DRC, which continues to impact local communities profoundly.
The president also stressed the need for inclusive dialogues surrounding peace and development, integrating vital social issues like education, healthcare access, and civil rights into global discourse. His vision is to ensure that these topics remain central in international conversations.
Angolan President João Lourenço added his voice to the calls for a hopeful future. Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a bold appeal to the International Court of Justice, urging an end to the genocide in Gaza. He underscored the significance of international recognition for Palestine, advocating for peace for both Palestine and Israel.
Furthermore, Ramaphosa criticized unilateral trade practices and economic coercion, citing the embargo on Cuba as detrimental and called for a funding strategy that benefits countries in the Global South, rather than perpetuating debt indebtedness enforced by the IMF.
The summit showcased a collective push from African leaders to confront pressing global challenges, pledging to unite their efforts to foster peace and development while addressing the climate crisis and historical injustices.