Cape Town – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed optimism that Africa could secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council before the end of his term in December 2026.
During his visit to South Africa on Wednesday, Guterres met with International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola and emphasised the importance of 2025 as a year of justice for Africa.
“I have a simple message: 2025 must be the year of justice for Africa. I look forward to working with the G20 Presidency of South Africa to deliver justice for the people of this great continent,” Guterres said.
“I have a simple message: 2025 must be the year of justice for Africa. I look forward to working with the G20 Presidency of South Africa to deliver justice for the people of this great continent.”
UN Secretary-General, António Guterres says ahead of his meeting with President… pic.twitter.com/xfQFZczSwK
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) December 11, 2024
He highlighted South Africa’s G20 Presidency as an opportunity to advance the African agenda, including addressing Africa’s debt crisis, achieving technological justice, and driving the Just Energy Transition.
Guterres recently appointed a group of experts, including former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, to find solutions to Africa’s debt challenges and called for reforms in global financial institutions to better support developing nations.
He also stressed that Africa’s lack of a permanent UN Security Council seat is unacceptable and warned that conflict and terrorism could hinder progress. Guterres plans to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa before continuing his visit to Lesotho.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@DIRCO_ZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
