Guterres backs Africa's push for UN Security Council representation

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres continues to push for Africa’s call for permanent representation on the UN Security Council, saying it is long overdue.

Speaking at the 38th African Union Summit at the weekend, Guterres said this would promote fairness and inclusivity, addressing historical injustices against the continent.

“There is no excuse that Africa still lacks permanent representation in the 21st century. I will keep working with the African Union and all member states to ensure the representation Africa needs and the justice you deserve- including with two permanent members of the Security Council,” said Guterres.

The UN Sec-Gen further noted that many African countries were still under colonial rule when the Security Council was established.

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“The world must never forget that Africa is the victim of two colossal and compounded injustices. The profound impact of colonialism and the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It is high time for reparatory justice frameworks to be put in place,” he added.

He also highlighted key challenges facing Africa, including conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the devastating effects of climate change.

African leaders have been vocal about the need for reforms. During the 79th UN General Assembly in September last year, President William Ruto criticised the Security Council’s structure.

“The Council is dysfunctional, undemocratic, non-inclusive, unaccountable, autocratic, and opaque. We must urgently seek to make the Security Council truly representative, inclusive, transparent, effective, and accountable,” said Ruto.

Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera echoed the demand, saying, “One fix that we from Africa demand is for the UN to embrace democracy in the Security Council by giving Africa two permanent seats with veto power.”

The African Union adopted the Ezulwini Consensus in 2005, calling for at least two permanent and five non-permanent African seats on the Council.

Despite representing 54 of the UN’s 193 member states, Africa remains the only region without a permanent seat.