At the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, African leaders once again urged for reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), demanding permanent seats with veto powers for African countries. This long-standing call for change reflects the need to address historical imbalances in global governance, rooted in colonialism and racism, and to ensure Africa’s rightful place in shaping decisions on international peace and security.
African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, emphasized that the current structure of the UNSC, established in 1945, is outdated and fails to reflect the realities of the modern world. Despite being the continent with the largest number of UN member states, Africa has been excluded from permanent membership in the UNSC, which remains dominated by the five countries that emerged victorious from World War II.
The African Union has been advocating for at least two permanent seats with veto powers since 2005, and this year’s General Assembly has seen renewed calls for reform. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, along with U.S. President Joe Biden, has voiced support for these demands, marking a significant step towards addressing the historical exclusion of Africa.
African leaders argue that their continent deserves representation on the UNSC, given its growing population and economic significance. The reform of the council, they insist, is essential for a more just and equitable global order. Leaders like Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo have made it clear that Africa is not asking for handouts but is demanding equal opportunities within a reformed global structure.
The international community is being urged to come together to empower African countries, revise the UN Charter, and promote multilateralism, ensuring Africa’s representation on the global stage. As the world continues to evolve, African leaders assert that the time for UNSC reform is long overdue.
