Faith Nyasuguta
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has renewed his strong support for Africa’s demand for permanent seats at the UN Security Council, emphasizing that the continent’s continued exclusion is unjustifiable.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, Guterres pledged his commitment to working with the African Union (AU) and UN member states to ensure Africa’s rightful representation. He stated, “There is no excuse that Africa still lacks permanent representation on the Security Council. I will keep working with the African Union and all UN Member Countries to ensure the representation Africa needs, including with two permanent members.”
His remarks come amid growing calls for reform of the UN Security Council, which many view as outdated and unrepresentative. Established in 1945, the Security Council includes five permanent members with veto power, the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, alongside ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Despite Africa comprising 54 countries and playing a significant role in global peacekeeping and economic development, the continent remains excluded from permanent membership.
For decades, African leaders have advocated for at least two permanent seats on the Security Council and additional non-permanent seats. The African Union has consistently backed the Ezulwini Consensus, a 2005 proposal that calls for two permanent seats with full veto rights for Africa, along with expanded non-permanent representation.
Supporters argue that excluding Africa from permanent membership undermines the principles of fairness and justice, particularly as many Council decisions directly impact the continent.
The demand for reform is gaining traction globally, with several world leaders, including those from India, Brazil, and Japan, countries also seeking permanent membership, advocating for an expanded Security Council to reflect modern global power dynamics. In addition, the United States has voiced its support for Africa’s inclusion. During the 2022 US-Africa Leaders Summit, ex-President Joe Biden endorsed the idea of adding African nations as permanent members of the Security Council.
Guterres’s backing is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing the Council’s representativeness and legitimacy. He has been a vocal advocate for reform, emphasizing the need for inclusive global governance structures. In his policy brief, “New Agenda for Peace,” launched in July 2024, Guterres called for equitable representation on international decision-making bodies, including the Security Council.
“Africa is home to over 1.4 billion people, almost 20% of the world’s population, and yet, it remains without a permanent voice at the table where critical global decisions are made. This is neither fair nor sustainable,” Guterres argued. He further noted that Africa is overrepresented in the issues discussed by the Council, such as peacekeeping and security challenges, but underrepresented in the decision-making process. This imbalance, he stated, diminishes the Council’s credibility and effectiveness.
Despite growing support, achieving reform will not be easy. Changes to the Security Council require the backing of at least two-thirds of UN member states, including approval from all five permanent members. However, Guterres remains optimistic, citing increasing global consensus on the need for reform. He has called on the international community to prioritize justice and inclusivity in global governance.
Guterres’s support for Africa’s bid for a permanent seat on the Security Council aligns with a broader movement advocating for a more representative and democratic international system. His advocacy is not only about enhancing Africa’s voice but also about ensuring that the United Nations remains a credible and relevant force for international peace and security.
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