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Abbas Abbasov speaks at UN Office in Geneva: Consequences of colonialism in Africa must be ended

Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Executive Director Abbas Abbasov

09 September 2026 18:11 (UTC +04:00)

A panel discussion on “Human Rights in Africa” was held today at the UN Office in Geneva, the Baku Initiative Group told APA.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Baku Initiative Group (BIG) Executive Director Abbas Abbasov drew attention to structural problems hindering the protection of human rights, peace and development in Africa and criticized the negative impact on the continent of the continuing legacy of colonialism and neocolonial policies.

Abbas Abbasov stated that when discussing human rights in Africa, first of all, the root causes undermining peace, sustainable development and human dignity should be considered.

In his opinion, among these causes, the grave legacy of centuries-long colonialism and neocolonialism, which manifests itself in various forms in the modern era, occupy a special place.

According to Abbas Abbasov, the experience of many African countries shows that colonial relations continue through new forms of political and economic dependence.

Citing the Democratic Republic of the Congo as an example, Abbas Abbasov noted that instead of serving the well-being of the population, the country's rich natural resources have become a factor intensifying conflicts and instability as a result of foreign interference. Thus, the illegal exploitation and smuggling of natural resources further increase tensions and deprive local communities of the opportunity to benefit from these resources.

He also drew attention to the role of political and economic interests, as well as foreign interference, in conflicts that have continued for many years in a number of African countries and stated that these factors deepen internal divisions and threaten the security of the population.

Touching upon ways out of the current situation, Abbas Abbasov emphasized the importance of ensuring the full and actual sovereignty of African countries over their natural resources and strengthening regional cooperation. He stated that relations with foreign partners should be built on the principles of mutual respect, equality and fair economic cooperation.

At the end of his speech, Abbas Abbasov noted that the effective and sustainable protection of human rights in Africa is directly linked to eliminating these structural problems and that the organization he represents is working in this direction.