MASERU- The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Africa’s global role is undermined by the systemic injustices suggesting that it’s high time these injustices holding the continent back be addressed.
Guterres made these calls on Thursday, 12th December, while addressing the joint sitting of Lesotho’s parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly.
“These injustices share a common root: a global system designed without African voices, maintained without African participation, and perpetuated despite African protests.
When a continent that is home to nearly a fifth of humanity, remains systematically excluded from global decision-making, we must call this what it is: A relic of colonialism that has no place in today’s world,” he said.
He took stock of the UN Security Council which nearly 80 years of its establishment saying that Africa is still without a permanent seat.
He added: “This hurts Africa, but it also hurts the Council – its effectiveness, its legitimacy, and its credibility. From Sudan to the Sahel, conflicts rage and communities suffer. Yet Africa has no permanent voice when the world decides on matters of war and peace… in Africa, through the Security Council,” he asserted, stating that this is unacceptable and must change.
These crises, according to him, demand not only global attention, but also the African leadership.
The UN Secretary-General further highlighted the need to address systemic injustices that hinder Africa’s development.
Guterres called for urgent reform of the global financial system, describing it as “outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair – to Africa and beyond.” He emphasised that the current system “not only reflects historical injustices – it exacerbates them.”
He noted the inequities faced by African nations, particularly in debt servicing: “Today, so many countries across Africa must choose between servicing debt and realising their people’s rights and needs.” Highlighting Lesotho’s challenges, he pointed out that “11 per cent of your budget goes into debt servicing,” leaving limited resources for education and infrastructure.
He urged global action, citing the Pact for the Future, adopted by the UN General Assembly in September, which outlines a plan to reform multilateral development banks, boost their lending capacity, and provide comprehensive debt relief. Guterres stressed that Africa must lead these reforms to ensure “a system that serves all countries, not just the privileged few.”
Turning to climate change, Guterres described its devastating effects on Africa, saying that: “The continent accounts for less than 4 per cent of global carbon emissions – but suffers from some of the most devastating climate impacts.” He noted the disproportionate burden faced by African nations, where environmental damage costs billions annually, yet they receive “only a fraction of global climate finance.”
He called for an investment in Africa’s renewable energy potential. He said: “Africa must not be forced to choose between economic development and climate action.”
The UN Chief also urged developed countries to operationalise and generously fund the Loss and Damage Fund, lamenting that the pledged amounts are “far from a serious commitment.”
Guterres commended Lesotho’s example in leveraging renewable energy and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation, citing the Lesotho Highlands Water Project as a model for climate-resilient development while also lamenting 600 million Africans who are without access to electricity.
He stressed the need to harness Africa’s youthful population: “Two-thirds of your population is under the age of 30; that is an enormous potential, but it needs to be properly invested.” He called for international support to create jobs for the continent’s young people.
He further mentioned the health challenges, particularly HIV/AIDS, which continues to affect many in Lesotho and across the continent. Guterres highlighted the importance of advancing gender equality, stating, “No society can thrive while half its population is held back.”
He encouraged affirmative measures, such as quotas, to ensure women have a voice in decision-making and stressed that gender equality is “fundamentally a question of power – and a means of redefining and transforming power that will yield benefits for all.”
Guterres underscored the lawmakers responsibility to represent the aspirations of Basotho: “Through your legislative power, you can shape a prosperous and equitable future.” He urged them to invest in clean energy, advance economic transformation, champion good governance, and ensure inclusivity.
“The United Nations is your partner in the journey toward sustainable and inclusive development,” he reiterated.
The UN’s Chief visit is in a two-day working visit to Lesotho at the invitation of His Majesty King Letsie III. He came to celebrate with Basotho the bicentennial of this nation’s founding 200 years ago.
He is today expected to visit Katse Dam, which supplies Gauteng province in South Africa with water and the surroundings.
This is the first visit by a UN Secretary-General to Lesotho in 22 years, the last being Kofi Annan in 2002.
Story by: Thoboloko Ntšonyane
