Monsieur le Premier Ministre [de l’Éthiopie, Hailemariam Desalegn],
Monsieur le Président de l’Union africaine [et Président du Bénin, Boni Yayi], Madame la Présidente de la Commission de l’Union africaine [Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma],
Mesdames et messieurs les chefs d’État et de gouvernement,
Mesdames et messieurs les ministres,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
C’est un honneur pour moi de participer avec les dirigeants du continent africain au Sommet de 2013, qui marque un jalon dans l’histoire de l’Union africaine.
Il y a 50 ans était créée cette illustre Organisation. Je suis ici aujourd’hui pour célébrer avec vous cet anniversaire et pour discuter des progrès qui pourront être accomplis
au cours des 50 prochaines années.
Nous venons d’observer une minute de silence en hommage à la mémoire du Premier Ministre éthiopien, Meles Zenawi, et du Président du Ghana, John Atta Mills. Le calme dans lequel s’est déroulée la passation du pouvoir montre bien que les principes et les valeurs démocratiques s’ancrent de plus en plus sur tout le continent.
Excellencies,
As Secretary-General, I have visited nearly 30 African countries. In each place, I listened – to the leaders and the people.
I have seen countries emerging from war and those with long-established peace. I have seen innovation, imagination and the tremendous determination of Africa’s people to thrive and prosper.
Africa has the experience to forge solutions to its own challenges and contribute
to our global goals of inclusive growth, social justice and protecting our environment.
Some of the world’s fastest-growing economies are in Africa. Many countries have made important gains towards the Millennium Development Goals. More African children are
in schools, especially girls. More clinics are helping more women survive childbirth. More African women sit in Government and key decision-making positions.
And here let me add my congratulations to the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. I look forward to working closely with the new AU leadership.
I welcome this progress. But like you I am still concerned about the hundreds of millions of Africans living in poverty.
That is why we are pushing for results. I count on all of you to attend the Special Event on the MDGs at the General Assembly this September. We must accelerate our efforts as we near the 2015 deadline.
At the same time, we are looking beyond 2015. Next week, the High-Level Panel on the post-2015 development agenda will meet in Monrovia. I thank Panel Co-chair President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia for hosting this vital meeting.
Success will depend on ownership by governments and civil society.
Our destination is clear: A future where Africa’s wealth enriches all of Africa’s people. Where misrule is only found in history books. Where Africa’s goods get a fair price on the global market. Where global partnerships mean shared prosperity. African countries averaged a remarkable 5 per cent growth over the past decade – and are projected
to grow by even more than 5 per cent by 2014.
But economic expansion is not an end in itself. Wealth cannot remain in the hands of the few.
Inequality is a recipe for instability. Africa is the world’s youngest continent. Youth here yearn for jobs and a life of dignity. We must invest in them.
Let us put a special focus on Africa’s girls and women. They can drive peace and development. Later today, we will spotlight our goal of ending maternal deaths.
We must also stand against all forms of violence. We especially need to speak out against rape and sexual violence in conflict. Governments must support victims and end the culture of impunity. I urge the males here to join my Network of Men Leaders and all to support our COMMIT to End Violence against Women campaign.
I applaud the African Group for leading the General Assembly’s adoption of its first-ever resolution calling for an end to female genital mutilation.
Africa has made tremendous progress in reducing both HIV infection and AIDS deaths.
The UN will continue to support you as we work for an AIDS-free generation, especially by ending HIV in newborns.
All of these gains will contribute to sustainable development. But lasting progress demands that we also address climate change.
The United Nations is proud to support the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative. I hope all African countries will continue to contribute to progress on climate change and my Sustainable Energy for all Initiative. This can open the way for enormous gains.
Next year, I am going to convene a summit meeting to mobilize political leadership for a legally binding global treaty on climate change.
At the same time, the international community must honour its commitments and step up development assistance to Africa. It is not enough for leaders to set targets on aid
and trade. They have to follow through with results.
With so many donors facing fiscal pressures, I have warned them against reducing official development assistance. We need investments in development in order to fix the world economy.
And beyond practical economic considerations, we have a moral obligation to help the poor and vulnerable people of our world.
Excellences,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Le développement est indispensable à la paix – et la paix est essentielle pour le développement.
L’objectif de notre partenariat est d'apporter une plus grande stabilité en Afrique.
L’Organisation des Nations Unies, l’Union africaine et d’autres parties intéressées travaillent en concertation en République démocratique du Congo. En marge du Sommet, j’espère que les dirigeants régionaux adhéreront à l’Accord-cadre pour la paix et la sécurité, qui a pour objet de remédier aux causes profondes des violences récurrentes.
La Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO) met tout en œuvre pour protéger les civils. Pour faire face à la menace que constituent les groupes armés dans l’est
du pays, nous envisageons de créer une force d’imposition de la paix au sein de la Mission.
Le Mali est menacé par des groupes armés d’insurgés extrémistes. Je me félicite que l’armée malienne ait reçu rapidement l’assistance bilatérale souhaitée par le Gouvernement.
Alors que la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) accélère les préparatifs en vue du déploiement de la Mission internationale de soutien au Mali (MISMA) sous conduite africaine, j’engage les autorités maliennes à adopter un processus politique sans exclusive, notamment à dresser une feuille de route devant mener au rétablissement complet de l’ordre constitutionnel.
Nous sommes résolus à tout faire pour aider le peuple malien à traverser cette épreuve. Les agences humanitaires aident les populations civiles qui souffrent. Les Nations Unies ont également envoyé des spécialistes dans les domaines militaire et politique. C’est une obligation morale qui s’impose à l’ensemble de la communauté internationale.
J'ai présenté au Conseil de sécurité mes recommandations concernant le dispositif
de soutien logistique à la MISMA et je m’engage personnellement à veiller à ce que les Nations Unies soient prêtes, une fois terminée l’intervention armée, malheureusement nécessaire, à mettre en œuvre à l’échelle du système des activités de consolidation de la paix et d’appui à la réforme de la gouvernance et du secteur de la sécurité, à la reconstruction et à la coopération régionale.
Excellencies,
In Sudan and South Sudan, the parties have taken positive steps to resolve outstanding issues. But they should make more progress in meeting their agreements. I am especially concerned about the dangerous humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States.
I call on the authorities in Sudan and South Sudan to immediately begin direct talks to allow urgently needed humanitarian assistance to reach affected civilians.
In Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union continue to work closely together. The departure of Al-Shabaab from Kismaayo and other areas opened space for peacebuilding. Better security is helping to solidify Somalia’s democracy.
Later this month, I will present recommendations to the Security Council on a new UN presence in Somalia, including ways to strengthen the UN-AU partnership on the ground. I will work to secure urgently needed funding for AMISOM.
The international community must continue to urge national actors in Guinea-Bissau to come up with an inclusive transitional arrangement and roadmap for the full restoration of constitutional order.
In the Central African Republic, the restoration of peace and security depends on the parties observing the agreements they signed in Libreville earlier this month.
They must also resolve long-standing governance, security and development issues.
I count on the African Union’s continued support to help Palestinians and Israelis forge a credible political path that will meet the legitimate aspirations of both sides. In this context, I am pleased to see such a warm welcome for President Abbas.
Excellencies,
Development and security demand democracy, accountability, shared responsibilities and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Peer Review Mechanism – which is now ten years old – show this continent’s commitment to protect people from abuse and deepen democratic governance.
This year the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons entered into force. It is the world’s first treaty to protect people
who have fled within the borders of their countries.
You have fulfilled and expanded the vision of your founders. We see this in the peaceful transitions of power. We see this in the adoption of enlightened laws and constitutions. And we see Africa’s progress in the vibrant civil society that can challenge corruption and demand the good governance all people deserve.
Africa can draw inspiration from its record of achievement to manage the many complex transitions ahead.
Alors que nous célébrons l’unité de l’Afrique, je vous demande instamment, à vous, ses dirigeants, de faire fond sur vos nobles traditions et de vous attacher à faire respecter les engagements pris dans les domaines de la paix, du développement durable et du respect des principes démocratiques et des droits de l’homme, ici et dans le monde entier.
Je vous remercie. Thank you.
