UN Security Council Officials Advocate for Permanent African Seat| United Nations News

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for reform within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing that the African continent is underrepresented in the current structure. Guterres urged for Africa to be given a permanent seat at the table, pointing out that the UNSC’s composition has not kept pace with a changing world.
The UNSC currently consists of five permanent members with veto power and 10 nonpermanent seats allocated regionally, with three seats for African states. Guterres argued that Africa’s views on peace and security issues are undervalued both on the continent and globally.
During a high-level debate, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis echoed Guterres’ sentiments, stating that Africa’s underrepresentation on the Security Council offends the principles of equity and inclusion. He urged for urgent reform to reflect the world as it is now, rather than how it was nearly 80 years ago.
Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio demanded two permanent seats for Africa on the UNSC, along with two additional nonpermanent seats. Bio also called for the abolition of the veto or its extension to all new permanent members if it were to be retained.
Carlos Lopes, a former high representative for the African Union, noted that African attempts to secure better representation within the UNSC have been ongoing, but current geopolitics have created a favorable moment. He highlighted Africa’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions and push for reform within the Security Council.

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