Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros, said that since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, inequality and conflicts have only increased, with the Palestinian tragedy being the most shocking example.  The terrorist attacks of 7 October 2023 were barbaric, but Israel’s response in Gaza is disproportionate. How could the Government of a people who were victims of the Holocaust inflict similar trauma on others, he wondered. “As the old adage goes, we don’t choose our neighbours, but we have to live in peace and security with them.” He praised the courage and humanity of those Israelis who are raising their voices against barbarity, reaffirmed Comoros’ support for the two-State solution and welcomed this week’s decision by France and others to recognize the State of Palestine.

Peace and development cannot be built without justice and inclusion, he said, emphasizing that Africa, with more than 2 billion people, must be given its rightful place on the Security Council.  Recalling that in 1971, the General Assembly declared the Indian Ocean a zone of peace, free of nuclear weapons and military bases, he condemned any plan to build a naval base on Mayotte, a Comoran island under French administration.  Despite clear and repeated UN resolutions, Mayotte remains under French occupation, he said, describing the situation as “one of the last open wounds of decolonization in Africa” and a dispute that has gone on for too long.

Like many small island developing States, Comoros is on the front line of climate change, he said, calling for equitable and simplified access to climate financing to confront the impact of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and more frequent cyclones.  In recent years, his country has launched a plan to transform its economy, strengthen infrastructure, and improve education and health care. “Our country has vast potential,” including geothermal energy, he said, inviting multilateral institutions and the private sector to join its development efforts.

He went on to condemn all forms of terrorism and transnational crime, advocating for a strong and just multilateralism and solidarity, based on the UN Charter and respect for the sovereign equality of States.  He emphasized the need for a fairer world order in which small States can participate fully in global governance. He called for an end to protectionism and the reform of the international financial architecture, urging the international community and development partners to support Comoros’ efforts for a world of peace, development and human rights.