Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for reparatory justice, conflict resolution, and Africa’s permanent representation in the UN Security Council, addressing African leaders at the African Union Summit on February 15.

Guterres condemned the historical injustices of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, stating, “Africa is the victim of two colossal and compounding injustices. It is high time for reparatory justice frameworks to be put in place.” He also demanded two permanent African seats on the Security Council, saying, “There’s no excuse for Africa’s exclusion in the 21st century.”

On conflicts in DRC and Sudan, Guterres urged an end to military solutions, warning that “the bloodshed must stop… There is no military solution. Dialogue must begin.“ He emphasized Africa’s sovereignty and the need for international cooperation to tackle conflict, climate change, and development challenges.