By Ollus Ndomu
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has advocated for Africa to be granted a permanent seat on the UN Security Council as part of comprehensive reforms aimed at correcting historical injustices. Speaking on the matter, Guterres emphasized that the composition of the Security Council, largely unchanged since its establishment in 1945, no longer reflects the realities of the modern world.
“The world has changed since 1945. But the composition of the Council, despite a few changes, has not kept pace,” he noted.
The Security Council, currently dominated by its five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—represents the power dynamics of the post-World War II era. At that time, much of Africa was still under colonial rule, and the continent had little to no representation on the global stage.
Today, the African Union, representing 55 member states, is pushing for the continent to have two permanent representatives on the Council. This demand comes as part of broader efforts to ensure that the voices and interests of African nations are adequately represented in global decision-making processes.
While the Security Council does include 10 non-permanent members, elected by region, these members do not possess the veto power held by the permanent five, limiting their influence on critical decisions.
The call for reform has sparked a debate on whether it is fair and just for Africa to seek greater representation on the Council. Proponents argue that Africa’s significant geopolitical importance, growing economies, and the sheer number of nations within the African Union justify the continent’s claim for permanent seats.
They contend that the current structure fails to reflect the diversity and complexities of the 21st-century world, where Africa plays a crucial role in global affairs.
Critics, however, question the feasibility of reforming the Security Council, given the challenges of securing unanimous agreement among the existing permanent members, each with its own strategic interests. Nonetheless, the push for Africa’s inclusion is gaining momentum, with many seeing it as a necessary step toward a more equitable and representative global governance system.
As discussions on Security Council reform continue, the question remains: Is it time for Africa to finally secure its place at the table as a permanent member, ensuring its voice is heard on the most pressing international issues?
