Senegalese President Macky Sall called for the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe in a speech to the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Senegalese leader, and current chairman of the African Union, said the tough measures against Zimbabwe was exaggerating the people’s suffering.

Sall was the first African leader to address the General Assembly. He urged the Security Council to handle conflicts in Africa in the same way as addressing other crises.

He also called for reforms in the council that would make it more inclusive and perhaps give Africa a permanent seat. Mr Sall also called for Africa to be given a seat in the G20, which includes leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies.

More African leaders are expected to address the U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday on the second day of the high-level debate.