The African Union has expressed concern after the United States' government recently directed the cessation of funding and participation in some of the United Nations' entities.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said on Monday that although the US reserves its right to make sovereign decisions on its international engagements, Washington's recent move could have far-reaching impact on the continent.
The AU chief reiterated the remarks by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the importance of a strong, effective, and inclusive multilateral system.
According to Youssouf, the world currently faces multiple crises, including armed conflicts, climate change effects, economic hardship, and public health threats. The AU chief said in a statement that a dedicated funding programme plays an important role in mitigating these challenges.
Dialogue
According to the African Union, several of the UN entities affected by the US decision play a critical role in supporting Africa's development and peace efforts.
These include the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa, UN Women, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the Peacebuilding Commission and Peacebuilding Fund, as well as mechanisms dedicated to the protection of children in armed conflict.
The AU has warned that reduced funding to these entities could affect development gains, peace consolidation efforts, and the resilience of communities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
The African Union Commission expressed hope that continued dialogue among the United States, the United Nations, and other international partners would help identify ways to sustain critical multilateral functions.
On January 7, President Donald Trump's administration announced that the US will soon withdraw from 31 UN entities and 35 non-UN groups, citing a need for government austerity.
