QUOTES

 

‘From the countries of the Sahel rocked by unconstitutional changes of government, uncertain political transitions, and a growing terrorist threat. To the spread of terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin, Somalia and elsewhere. To the continued violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Horn of Africa. And to the deepening humanitarian nightmare in Sudan, now entering its second year, with increased hostilities in El Fasher opening an alarming new chapter in this conflict. My Personal Envoy, Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, is working tirelessly on mediation efforts with all parties. We need a concerted global push for a ceasefire, followed by a comprehensive peace process to end the bloodshed.’

– UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who says Africa’s efforts at ending poverty and hunger requires peace on the continent and beyond

 

‘Israel has had impunity for so long that they don't care what the global community says. So I think the responsibility goes to us as member states of the UN and most particularly to the Security Council It is clear we are all fearful. We are all seeing the horror unfold and something needs to be done and we cannot just rely on those who are the executioners of this ongoing onslaught to be the ones to stop it.’

– South Africa’s International Relations & Co-operation Minister Naledi Pandor

 

‘I understand some of the scepticism that exists about another mission in Haiti, but I think what we have going for us is this: first, a general revulsion of the people at the direction that the country has taken, including gangs that are dominating Port-au-Price and trying to undermine governance, a democratic trajectory that’s been disrupted by failing to have a government that actually has a clear mandate and all of that has also had the effect of interrupting development assistance, other forms of assistance that people so desperately need.’

– US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who defended US funding for the mission in Haiti, saying it is ‘on the precipice of becoming an all-out failed state’ without international support

 

‘This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations.’

– President Cyril Ramaphosa, who expressed deep regret following the death of President Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash