By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Authorities in Germany have expressed support for Africa in its bid to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
“Germany, therefore, supports the efforts for permanent African seats on the U.N. Security Council,” the Chancellor, Olaf Scholz said during a news conference alongside Kenyan President William Ruto after a meeting to discuss deepening ties between the two countries.
He added “And we also support a formal seat for the African Union within the G-20.”
The statement is viewed as a boost to the African continent’s prolonged quest to have greater representation on the international stage.
Africa has long advocated for two permanent seats on the council with veto power.
The continent argues that the current structure is outdated and unrepresentative of the world’s geopolitical reality.
The African Union has been pushing for reform of the UNSC to accommodate the continent with 1 billion inhabitants, saying it deserves greater representation on the world stage.
Scholz recognized the potential of Kenya’s youthful population in a meeting with representatives and noted they play a key role in driving innovation, economic growth and development.
“Africa is the ‘youngest’ continent with an average age of almost 19 years. It was important to me to exchange ideas with young Kenyans today – an exciting conversation about climate protection, political participation and startup funding,” he said.
On Sudan, Scholz said he was concerned about the conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands.
“We appreciate what Kenya has achieved in terms of mediation efforts. This is very true with the situation in Sudan which is very concerning to us and many others,” he said.
He supported the people of Sudan who have been on the streets demanding a move from a military to a civilian government.
Germany is committed to funding the expansion of Kenya’s Olkaria Geothermal Station to increase its capacity in green energy partnership.
