Japan will use its place on the United Nations Security Council to push for an African seat on the top world body, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Sunday.
“Japan reiterates its determination to redress the historical injustice against Africa of not being represented through a permanent membership on the Security Council,” Kishida told the Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Tunis.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
“In order for the UN to work effectively for peace and stability there is an urgent need to strengthen the UN as a whole through Security Council reform,” he said.
The UN faces “a moment of truth,” he added.
Japan was among five countries elected in June to hold a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2023 and 2024.
Kishida, speaking over live video from Tokyo after testing positive for COVID-19 days earlier, reiterated a pledge announced on Saturday to invest some $30 billion in Africa over the next three years.
He also announced that Japan would appoint a special envoy to the Horn of Africa, where a long drought has prompted the UN’s weather agency to warn this week of an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”
Kishida said Japan would pump $8.3 million into the troubled but gold-rich Liptako-Gourma tri-borders area between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso that has been ravaged by extremist attacks in recent years.
The aid will aim to “develop good cooperation between residents and local authorities” and help improve administrative services for the area’s five million residents, he said.
The Japanese premier also promised aid to train police officers and support “fair and transparent” elections across the continent, pledging Japan’s support for the rule of law in Africa.
The UN Security Council is made up of 15 members, five of whom are permanent and have veto-wielding power: the United States, Russia, China, France, and Britain.
The other ten positions are filled by other countries for two-year stints, five of which are announced each year.
Read more: Japan pledges $30 bln in African aid at summit in Tunis
Also Read
-
Japan pledges $30 bln in African aid at summit in Tunis
Japan pledged $30 billion in aid for development in Africa on Saturday, saying it wants to work more closely with the continent, with the rules-based ... World News -
Horn of Africa drought to worsen with fifth failed rains, UN warns
The devastating Horn of Africa drought is set to get worse, the UN’s weather agency predicted Friday, warning that the region was on the brink of an ... World News -
Inflation in South Africa hits new 13-year high: Data
Inflation in South Africa accelerated to its highest level in 13 years in July, pushed mainly by surging prices for food, transport and electricity, ... Economy -
China to waive 23 rate-free loans to 17 African countries, offer $10 bln in IMF funds
China, the largest government creditor to emerging economies, said it will forgive 23 interest-free loans to 17 African countries and redirect $10 ... Economy -
WFP warns 22 million face starvation in Horn of Africa
The number of people at risk of starvation in the drought-ravaged Horn of Africa has increased to 22 million, the UN’s World Food Program (WFP) said ... World News
