A wind of hope is blowing in Africa says the Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres, who is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend African heads of states.
“We have see the reconciliation between Ethiopia ad Eritrea; We have see the peace agreement established in South Sudan and in Central Africa Republic. We are also working together [with the African Union] to see peace in Libya…We have also seen peaceful elections in Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and in Mali,” he said this morning briefing journalists in Addis Ababa along with African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki.
“…And in all those circumstances, we had the combinations of efforts of the African Union and UN. The combinations of efforts to make sure that guns will be silenced from 2020 onward…I believe Africa is becoming an example. A example where it is possible to solve conflicts and it is possible to prevent conflicts. And this wind of hope I believe can be extended to other parts of the world,” Mr. António Guterres said.
The two officials briefed the media this morning after discussing on multiple issues of cooperation in closed doors meeting.
The 32nd African heads of states summit is expected to be opened tomorrow morning in Asddis Ababa mainly focusing on refugee issues, among others.
“Africa is the continent where the borders are open for refugees. Where refugees are protected. It is a example for the world. It is an example of solidarity to rest of the world especially to the richest part of the world should be able to follow,” the Secretary General said.
Globally nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution, according to the UN refugee agency. Currently there are 68.5 million people around the world who have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.4 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18.
There are also an estimated 10 million stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement, according to the UN refugee agency. Currently Africa is estimated to host over 5 million African refugees.