UN chief calls for injustices faced by Africa to be corrected
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The Secretary-General of the United Nations says that it is unjust that Africa still does not have a permanent UNSC seat.
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Cameramen film near a screen showing China's President Xi Jinping delivering an opening ceremony speech for the China Africa Forum, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Thursday, September 5, 2024. (AP)
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for the correction of "injustices" against Africa and advocated for the continent to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council during the China-Africa forum, which brought together more than 50 African leaders, according to state media.
The China-Africa forum serves as a platform for fostering cooperation between China and African nations, focusing on various development and trade initiatives.
Speaking at the forum, Guterres stressed the need to address the historical wrongs faced by Africa. "It is outrageous... that the continent of Africa still has no permanent seat on the Security Council," he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fair representation for Africa at the highest levels of international decision-making.
The UN chief also highlighted the financial challenges faced by many African nations, noting that "many African countries are mired in debt and struggling to invest in sustainable development." He pointed to the lack of access to effective debt relief, scarce resources, and insufficient funding as major obstacles for the continent.
Praising China's development achievements, Guterres said that China's experience, particularly in eradicating poverty, could offer valuable insights to African countries. He added that China could act as a catalyst for key transitions in food systems and digital connectivity in Africa.
"As home to some of the world’s most dynamic economies, Africa can maximize the potential of China's support in areas from trade to data management, finance, and technology," Guterres remarked.
China pledges $50 billion for Africa
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a significant $50 billion financial package for Africa over the next three years during the China-Africa forum in Beijing.
Speaking at the forum's opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Xi described China-Africa relations as being in their "best period in history." He outlined China's commitment to expanding cooperation with African nations in critical sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, trade, and investment.
"China is ready to deepen cooperation with African countries in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment," Xi said, pledging financial support amounting to 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion) over the next three years. He specified that more than half of the funds would be in the form of credit, with $11 billion allocated for various types of assistance and $10 billion to encourage Chinese firms to invest in Africa.
Additionally, Xi promised to help create at least one million jobs across the continent, bolstering Africa's economic development and workforce. As part of the aid package, Xi also committed $141 million in grants for military assistance, pledging to train 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from African countries.
China is Africa's largest trading partner and has given billions of dollars in loans that have helped the continent build much-needed infrastructure.
'True friend of Africa'
Chinese media described the leader as a "true friend of Africa," saying Beijing's relations have reached "new heights" after Xi hosted twenty-five African leaders at this week's China-Africa forum.
The president and his wife Peng Liyuan welcomed the leaders as they arrived for dinner at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday evening. Additionally, state media depicted Xi talking with over a dozen of his African counterparts on the same day.
During a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu held on Tuesday, Xi emphasized the need for strong cooperation in the "development of infrastructure, energy, and mineral resources," state news agency Xinhua reported.
Xi also met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the same day, vowing to cooperate in "investment, trade, infrastructure, mineral resources" and other areas with Harare.
The Chinese president also expressed his support for Zimbabwe amid its struggle against "illegal sanctions" imposed by the United States in response to the African leader's corruption and human rights violations.
