Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, called on Monday, September 29, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, to end the unjust marginalization of the African continent.

The minister reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to actively contribute to collective African efforts, noting that Africa is at a pivotal stage in its history, facing challenges that weigh heavily on it while also presenting opportunities for sustainable development.

Attaf emphasized the urgent need to address crises, conflicts, and disputes affecting every part of the continent, as well as to seize opportunities for cooperation and integration offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area and to fully engage in global technological revolutions.

He also stressed the necessity to end decades of unjust marginalization of Africa in international decision-making centers, including the UN Security Council, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization.

The minister warned against restrictions on peacekeeping operations in Africa that limit their effectiveness under the pretext of cost rationalization.

Regarding the Euro-Mediterranean space, Attaf confirmed that Algeria continues to shoulder its responsibilities as a constructive, reliable, and fully engaged partner in all efforts aimed at achieving security and prosperity in this shared region.

He identified the main challenges in this space as security, development, and migration, calling on both shores to move beyond fragmented approaches and adopt a comprehensive, integrated strategy, which he hopes will be central to the “New Mediterranean Pact” initiative.

Attaf also reflected on Algeria’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, expressing hope that Algeria has fulfilled its mandate, even if only partially, and reviewed Algeria’s commitment and historical struggle despite challenges. He noted the Security Council’s failure to respond to many critical issues, including the Gaza tragedy, but affirmed that the voice of international conscience remains strong in the overwhelming majority of member states’ positions in both the Security Council and the General Assembly.