By John Ikani
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has advocated for Africa to receive a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, with a view to rectifying past injustices.
The Security Council, with its five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US – has faced criticism for reflecting the power dynamics of the post-World War Two era, when much of Africa remained under colonial rule.
“The global landscape has shifted since 1945. However, the Council’s composition, despite minor adjustments, hasn’t kept up,” Mr. Guterres remarked.
The Council’s 10 non-permanent members are assigned based on region, but they lack the veto power held by the five permanent members.
The African Union has consistently pushed for the continent to have two permanent representatives on the council, along with two additional non-permanent seats.
Sierra Leone initiated the debate on Monday, with President Julius Maada Bio championing Africa’s cause. “The era of half-measures and gradual progress is over. Africa’s voice must be heard, and its demands for justice and fairness must be addressed,” he asserted.
The UN Security Council holds significant authority, including authorizing peacekeeping missions, imposing international sanctions, and deciding the UN’s response to global conflicts.
Other UN officials, such as Dennis Francis, the President of the UN General Assembly, and Mr. Guterres, echoed the calls for reform.
“We cannot accept that the world’s primary peace and security body lacks a permanent voice for a continent of over a billion people – a young and rapidly expanding population – constituting 28% of the United Nations’ membership,” the UN chief stated.
Africa is underrepresented on the UN Security Council and in international financial institutions, yet “overrepresented in the very challenges these structures are designed to tackle,” he added.
Africa has frequently been the epicentre of conflicts driven by the desire for the continent’s resources, which are vital to the global economy, Mr. Guterres noted. He also highlighted that nearly half of all UN peacekeeping missions are in Africa, and 40% of UN peacekeepers are African.
The UN chief further emphasized that the body has failed to adequately match African representation with the continent’s efforts and contributions.
The UN was established after World War Two to protect future generations from the horrors of armed conflict. Only four African nations – Egypt, Liberia, Ethiopia, and South Africa – were among its founding members.
For Mr. Guterres, the necessity for change goes beyond ethics and justice.
“It’s also a strategic imperative that can enhance global acceptance of the Council’s decisions, benefiting both Africa and the world,” he concluded.
