African Leaders Rally for Representation on UN Security Council
Since 2005, African nations have been unified in their demand for equitable representation, calling for two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats.
South Africa U.N. Ambassador Jerry Matthews Matjila makes a speech during the Security Council on the situation in Venezuela, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, United States. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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frican leaders have intensified their longstanding campaign for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a push that has recently gained the backing of France and Germany.
President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, while addressing the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) summit in La Paz, Equatorial Guinea, emphasized the historical injustice faced by the continent due to its lack of permanent representation on the UNSC.
Since 2005, African nations have been unified in their demand for equitable representation, calling for two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats.
The call for renewed and united action was echoed by Nguema, who urged that African states remain vigilant and speak with one voice to avoid being sidelined by other countries’ alliances. He stressed the urgency of accelerating reforms to ensure “equitable representation of Africa through expanded membership.”
UNSC reforms
The meeting, which saw the convergence of African heads of state and representatives from UN and African Union agencies, sought to solidify a common position on UNSC reforms.
In a significant development, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, during a visit to the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, expressed support for the African position. Baerbock acknowledged the changing global dynamics since World War II, advocating for two permanent African seats on the Security Council.
The UNSC currently has five permanent members – the U.S., UK, France, China, and Russia – and non-permanent members who serve on a rotational basis. At present, Mozambique, Gabon, and Ghana represent Africa.
The push for African seats on the Security Council comes amid growing calls for reforming the body to better reflect contemporary global realities. African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki, alongside outgoing AU Chairman and Senegalese President Macky Sall, have voiced this demand at various international platforms, including the U.N. General Assembly.
Biden for Africa
U.S. President Joe Biden has also shown support for Africa’s representation in global economic and security forums, including the G-20 and the Security Council.
As the European Union and the African Union strengthen their relations, particularly in light of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Baerbock highlighted the necessity of African support in “defending the European peace order.” She also condemned Russia’s blockade of Ukrainian grain exports, which has exacerbated the food crisis in the Horn of Africa.
The support from Germany and France marks a crucial step for Africa’s aspirations at the UNSC. The summit in Equatorial Guinea is expected to finalize the African common position in the quest for increased representation on the global stage.
Sources: Anadolu Agency and VOA
