Africa must be better represented in the UN Security Council, whose “
current composition does not reflect the world in which we live,
” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pleaded Tuesday (September 22nd) during the meeting. United Nations General Assembly.
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"
South Africa is currently sitting, for the second year, as a non-permanent member
," recalled, via an audiovisual message filmed in his country, Cyril Ramaphosa, who also currently holds the rotating presidency of the African Union (AU ).
The Security Council has five permanent members, a legacy of the Second World War (China, USA, Great Britain, France and Russia), and ten other members rotating and elected for two-year terms.
"
Suspension of interest payments on Africa's public and foreign debt
"
“
As the UN celebrates its 75th anniversary, we reiterate our call for better representation of African countries on the Security Council and that this be urgently considered in intergovernmental negotiations,
” said Cyril Ramaphosa.
"
It is only through a reformed and inclusive Security Council that we can collectively resolve some of the oldest conflicts
," he added.
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Referring to the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic on African economies, he pleaded for “
the suspension of the payment of interest on Africa's public and external debt
”.
The pandemic is delaying Africa's development projects because budgets had to be allocated to the fight against the coronavirus initially intended for "
housing, health, water, public hygiene, education
".
"
We must face the rot of corruption which deprives our populations of opportunities and services which are their right
", recalled the one who was elected in South Africa in particular around this promise.
This close friend of Nelson Mandela also mentioned the #Blacklivesmatter movement which will have marked the year 2020. Coming from a country "
which knows too well the torture of institutionalized racism
", the South African president called for "
action rapid
”against racism,“
whether committed by individuals, companies, officials or States
”.
