UN chief praises African countries' peaceful resolution of conflicts

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday said the African continent has become an example in resolving problems and conflicts in a peaceful manner.

The UN chief made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the 32nd ordinary session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU).

The gathering, which started on Thursday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, will last through Monday.

"I believe Africa is becoming example where it is possible to solve problems and prevent conflicts," Guterres said. "I believe that this window of hope will be extended to other parts of the world."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres (C) stands before speaking during the "Africa Leadership Meeting, Investing in Health", ahead of an African Union summit in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, February 9, 2019. /VCG Photo

"We have seen the reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea. We have seen peace agreement established in South Sudan," he said.

The UN chief had previously commended the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea late last year, which ended two decades of bitter armed conflicts.

The two Horn of Africa countries fought a bloody border war in 1998-2000, killing an estimated 70,000 people from both sides.

Guterres also highlighted the strategic cooperation between the UN and the AU in the prevention and resolution of conflicts in Africa.

He also praised African countries for hosting fellow African refugees despite limited domestic resources.

The AU said recently that the African continent is now home to more than one third of the world's displaced people.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency