Hunger Must Never Be a Weapon of War: UN Secretary-General Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said that hunger should never be used as a weapon of war. He shared this message while speaking at an international conference on food systems held in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Currently, around 280 million people in Africa are at serious risk of hunger, malnutrition, and starvation. Guterres said hunger creates instability and spreads conflict. He urged the world not to use hunger as a tool in war.

He also expressed concern about problems caused by climate change, supply chain disruptions, and reduced humanitarian aid, which are affecting food production.

Guterres pointed out that the ongoing conflict in Gaza has left the population in deep crisis. Over 2 million people there are suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Since Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza in March, the situation has worsened. Although some aid has started to arrive, more than 100 aid agencies have warned of "severe hunger."

At the same event, African Union Executive Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the food crisis in Africa is getting worse. He urged international partners to support Africa and fulfill their promises.