Africa Renews Call for Reform of the United Nations Security Council, Seeks Permanent Representation

African policy experts and diplomats have renewed calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council, urging the inclusion of a permanent African seat to better reflect current global geopolitical realities.

The call was made during a forum on sustaining momentum for Security Council reform, which brought together diplomats and experts associated with the African Union. Participants emphasized that despite Africa’s major role in global peace and security issues, the continent remains unrepresented among the council’s permanent members.

Solomon Ayele Dersso, Director of Amani Africa Media and Research Services, warned that rising global conflicts and instability highlight the urgency of reform. He questioned whether the current UN framework, largely shaped by post-World War II power dynamics, remains adequate for addressing today’s challenges.

Robert Afriyie noted that when the United Nations was founded in 1945, only a few African nations were members. Although the council expanded its non-permanent seats in the 1960s, no additional permanent seats were created, leaving Africa without permanent representation despite handling a large share of the council’s peace and security agenda.

Noboru Sekiguchi also supported reforms, stating that the council’s structure has remained largely unchanged for nearly 80 years while many of its key issues directly affect Africa. He reaffirmed Japan’s support, alongside the G4 group of nations, for Africa’s demand for both permanent and non-permanent seats on the council.