Senegalese President Faye Delivers Stark Warning on Global Crises at UN General Assembly

In a compelling address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Bassírou Diomaye Diakhar Faye of Senegal painted a vivid picture of a world on the brink, echoing the perils that led to two world wars in the early 20th century. Marking the UN’s 80th anniversary, M. Faye highlighted the fragility of international order amid rising terrorism, climate change, and conflicts, all exacerbated by diminishing global solidarity and the looming threat of multilateralism’s collapse.

President Faye decried what he termed the appalling dehumanization of a world that responds selectively to crises based on geopolitical interests. There can be no justice based on law when the international order is governed by double standards, the right of the mighty and a spirit of ‘us versus them, underscoring how such divisions undermine global equity and cooperation.

AFRICA’S STRUGGLES AMID GLOBAL TURMOIL

Turning his focus to the African continent, President Faye outlined the severe challenges it faces, including armed conflicts, rampant terrorism in the Sahel region, cross-border crime, and threats to political stability. He advocated for an integrated strategy that combines prevention, building resilience, and targeted interventions to address these issues effectively.

Peace and security have a price, M. Faye emphasized. Let’s give us the resources to afford them, with predictable and sustainable funding of African peace support operations with suitable equipment and robust mandates. He argued that such investments are essential to combat terrorism and foster long-term stability across the region.

THE PALESTINIAN CRISIS: A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

One of the most poignant sections of President Faye’s speech addressed the ongoing tragedy in Palestine. Describing it as now indescribable, he condemned the relentless bombardment and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. We cannot remain silent nor look away because Gaza is no longer alive, highlighting the deprivation of food, water, and healthcare faced by Palestinian civilians.

M. Faye asserted that nothing justifies the suffering endured by Palestinian men, women, and children. As the Chair of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, he reiterated the urgent need for an independent and viable Palestinian State to achieve lasting peace. His remarks drew attention to what he called an ethnic cleansing in Gaza, urging the international community to confront this injustice head-on.

CLIMATE CHANGE: AFRICA’S DISPROPORTIONATE BURDEN

Labelling climate change an existential question, President Faye pointed out the stark injustice faced by Africa, which contributes only 4 percent of global emissions yet bears a heavy toll from droughts, flooding, coastal erosion, and food insecurity. This double burden of minimal contribution and maximum suffering is unsustainable.

The Senegalese leader called for the full implementation of the Paris Agreement, emphasizing a just and fair energy transition. He stressed the importance of adequate funding for adaptation measures, guarantees for technology transfer, and the replenishment of the Loss and Damage Fund to support vulnerable nations.

A PLEA FOR POLITICAL WILL AND RENEWED MULTILATERALISM

In closing, President Faye asserted that the true barriers to resolving these global challenges are neither financial, technical, nor material—but a lack of political will. He urged world leaders to transform multilateralism into a genuine tool for solidarity, rather than division. He called for a redefinition of international cooperation to ensure a more equitable future.

M. Faye’s speech has sparked varied reactions, with some praising its bold stance on global inequities and others critiquing its focus. As the UN marks its 80th year, his words serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action to avert further disasters and build a world rooted in justice and shared humanity.