African borders remain open even as developed countries shut theirs - UN Chief

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has lauded Africa for opening its borders to refugees despite other developed countries were actively closing their borders.

Guterres was speaking on Monday morning at the 28th Ordinary Summit of the African Union currently ongoing in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

“African nations are also among the world’s largest and most generous hosts of refugees.

“African borders remain open for those in need of protection, when so many borders are being closed, even in the most developed countries in the world,” Guterres said whiles addressing Heads of State.

Newly appointed UN SG antonioguterres addressing the #28thAUSummit pic.twitter.com/3bfDLdg7o1

— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) January 30, 2017

The reference to developed countries closing their borders was in apparent reference to refugee ban instituted by US President Donald Trump. An executive order he signed last Friday bans nationals from seven countries from entering the US.

In other issues, the UN chief stated that the world had much to gain from African wisdom, ideas and solutions in tackling global issues. He lauded Africa in the area of peacekeeping and at the level of growing its economies.

He pledged to work hand-in-hand with the continental bloc as part of efforts to strengthen efforts aimed at making the world a safer and better place.