Kenyan President, William Ruto on Wednesday blasted world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly over how the organization has treated African nations over the years.
Ruto in his aggressive speech lamented Africa’s exclusion from the permanent membership of the Security Council, describing it as “unacceptable, unfair and grossly unjust”.
According to President Ruto, Africa as a continent deserves at least two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with veto powers.
He said the continent also deserves two non-permanent seats, adding that the United Nations reforms should not be regarded as a “favour for Africa” but a necessity for the survival of the organization.
“You cannot claim to be the United Nations while disregarding the voice of 54 nations. It is not possible.
“Africa dominates most of the Security Council’s agenda, yet we remain the only continent without a permanent seat at the table, where decisions about our destiny are being made,” he said.
The Kenyan President declared that if the organization “is to remain relevant in this century, it must reflect today’s realities, not the postwar power arrangements of 1945”.
President Ruto also blasted international financial institutions, especially the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, over alleged “unfairness” toward African countries.
He asserted that the world lenders always give more money to wealthier nations while “punishing” Africa with heavy interest rates, little loan amounts, and many unfair conditions.
“For instance, during the IMF’s recent allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), 64% went to wealthy countries with little need for liquidity support, while the poorest countries received just 2.4%.
“This imbalance highlights how the very institutions meant to safeguard global financial stability often perpetuate inequity.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, called for peace in Palestine, stating that the two state solution remains the most dignified path to the end of ongoing conflict.
Shettima reveals solution to lasting peace in Palestine
UNGA: Kenya President Ruto blasts world leaders over poor treatment of African nations