New York:President of Burundi, Evariste Ndayishimiye, has advocated for Africa’s permanent inclusion on the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that such inclusion would foster trust between Africa and other continents.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Ndayishimiye addressed world leaders at the General Debate of the 81st session of the General Assembly at the UN headquarters, underscoring his country’s position as the Chair of the African Union for 2026. He stated that Africa must be better represented and more involved in global decision-making processes.
During his speech, Ndayishimiye criticized the Human Rights Council for targeting specific countries and expressed dissatisfaction with the establishment of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi’s human rights situation without government consultation. He asserted Burundi’s commitment to human rights and combating impunity.
Ndayishimiye stressed the importance of including an African country as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and highlighted the need for African solutions to African problems, particularly in regions like the Great Lakes, Sudan, the Sahel, and Somalia. He called for stronger partnerships between the African Union and the UN to peacefully resolve conflicts.
He also emphasized Africa’s role in global trade, noting that the continent, with 55 states and over 1.4 billion inhabitants, should not be excluded from trade discussions. He advocated for equitable representation within the World Trade Organization, describing it as a demand for justice rather than a request for favor.
Domestically, Ndayishimiye outlined Burundi’s goal to become an emerging country by 2040 and a developed nation by 2060, highlighting the importance of investment, technology transfer, and capacity building in achieving this transformation.
The call for Africa’s inclusion on the Security Council was echoed by Khalilur Rahman, President of the General Assembly’s 81st session, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Both leaders emphasized the need for Security Council reform to reflect current geopolitical realities and address the absence of permanent African representation.