Togo at UNGA81: “Africa is not asking others to act in its place — it wants its efforts recognized”

Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey used his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly to call for stronger multilateralism, greater respect for Africa’s role in resolving its own crises and a historic change in how the world represents the African continent. “We need even more multilateralism and even more UN.” Dussey argued that the weaknesses of the international system should not lead countries to abandon multilateralism, but rather to build a stronger, more representative and more effective United Nations. He said international trust cannot be restored through speeches alone. “International trust cannot be restored just through speeches.” According to Dussey, trust depends on respect for international law, shared rules and institutions that turn commitments into tangible results. He warned that geopolitical tensions are rising and that violations of international law and the UN Charter are becoming more frequent. “International law is not an obstacle to power.” Dussey argued that international law gives power legitimacy, predictability and stability, while protecting vulnerable states and preventing uncontrolled confrontation. On security in Africa, he stressed that military responses alone are not enough. “Lasting security cannot be boiled down just to its military dimension.” Togo called for stronger investment in dialogue, prevention and mediation, particularly in West Africa, the Sahel and the Great Lakes region. “Mediation is not a weakness. It is an expression of responsibility.” Dussey said no lasting political solution can simply be imposed from outside without taking account of local realities and sovereignty. “Africa is not asking for others to act in its place. It is asking for its efforts to be recognized, assisted and supported.” One of the most distinctive parts of his speech focused on what Togo calls the “Correct the Map” initiative. Dussey recalled his appeal at the United Nations to correct distortions in conventional world maps that make Africa appear smaller than its actual geographical size. He said the adoption of the “Correct the Map” resolution marked a historic moment. “Correcting the map is not just rectifying…