Namibian President Hage Geingob and his Kenyan counterpart William Samoei Ruto pointed to the disadvantages faced by African countries and other developing countries in addressing the problems of socio-economic development, as well as the current health, climate, food and energy crises in the global scenario.
In this context, Geingob criticized Namibia’s unfair inclusion in the upper-middle-income group, which hinders access to finance and concessional credit, which are necessary to fight inequality and lift many citizens out of poverty.
It is an inadequate calculation formula because it does not take into account the enormous differences between rich and poor that are a result of colonialism and apartheid in his country.
Both dignitaries called for the qualitative and quantitative reform of the United Nations Security Council in line with the common position of African Union members.
From the Namibian President’s point of view, self-determination is a human right; hence its demand to put an end to the constant injustices being committed against the Palestinian people and to comply with the resolutions to resolve the Western Sahara issue.
He also deplored the sanctions against Zimbabwe and the length of the US government’s economic, financial and trade embargo on Cuba.
“Please, it is time that the sons and daughters of Cuba were given the right to a dignified life, free from an embargo that deprives them of the right to develop their own country. Therefore, Namibia reiterates its long-standing demand for the lifting of the unjustified embargo against Cuba,” he noted.
In the words of Samoei Ruto, the failure of multilateralism in crises such as those experienced due to the Covid-19 pandemic is a failure of humanity and “we have a moral and urgent duty to rectify this and behave better”.
He also emphasized the challenges related to climate change and its particular impact on impoverished nations that need access to finance and technology.
Africa, he summarized, attaches great importance to the international community and the tremendous opportunities it can bring through “an inclusive, sustainable and effective agenda to transform the lives of our peoples and create shared and shared peace, security, stability and prosperity.” “ can develop “.
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