UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in order to address the underrepresentation of the African continent. Guterres stressed that the current composition of the UNSC, with five permanent members and 10 non-permanent seats allocated regionally, has failed to keep pace with a changing world. He highlighted the importance of giving Africa a permanent seat at the table, noting that the continent’s views are undervalued on issues of peace and security both on the continent and around the world.
During a high-level debate at the UNSC, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis also emphasized the need for the UN to reflect the world as it is now, rather than how it was nearly 80 years ago. He called for Africa to be given a more prominent role in the Security Council, stating that the continent’s underrepresentation goes against the principles of equity and inclusion. Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio further reiterated Africa’s demand for two permanent seats on the UNSC, as well as two additional non-permanent seats, which the African Union would choose.
Carlos Lopes, a professor at the University of Cape Town and former high representative for the African Union, noted that while African attempts to gain better representation at the UNSC are not new, the current geopolitical climate presents a favorable moment for these efforts. Lopes mentioned that there is now a competition for Africa’s votes, making it more difficult for the continent to align with one position over another. He cited recent successes, such as the African Union’s membership in the G20, as examples of Africa’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions and push for greater representation at international institutions like the Security Council.
In the debate at the UNSC, Guterres highlighted the historical injustice of Africa’s underrepresentation and stressed that meaningful reform is essential for the credibility of the United Nations. He called for a permanent voice for Africa on the Security Council, considering the continent’s population of well over a billion people. The UNSC, which currently consists of five permanent members with veto power, is urged to better reflect the diversity of the world and address the changing dynamics of global peace and security.
The issue of UN Security Council reform has been a longstanding one, with calls for greater representation for Africa and other regions that are underrepresented. Various leaders and experts have emphasized the importance of adjusting the UNSC’s structure to better align with current global realities. As Africa continues to assert its demands for more equitable representation, it is evident that reforming the Security Council is crucial for ensuring that the UN can effectively address the complex security challenges facing the world. By giving Africa a more prominent role, the UNSC can better reflect the diversity and interests of all member states.
