The renewed demand for Africa to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council has gained momentum with the backing of prominent leaders. President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Kenyan President William Ruto have emphasized the need for reform. The current structure of the Council, established in 1945, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of today. With over 1.4 billion people, Africa's exclusion from permanent membership is a glaring omission.
The UN Security Council's composition has remained largely unchanged since its inception. The five permanent members - the US, Russia, China, Britain, and France - were granted privileged positions based on the post-war balance of power. The veto power accorded to each of them was intended to secure their participation in the new international system. However, this arrangement has become increasingly difficult to defend in the modern world. The consequences of decisions taken by these five countries now extend far beyond their own territories.
Africa's exclusion from the Security Council is particularly indefensible, given its significant contributions to international discussions on peacekeeping, conflict resolution, climate change, migration, food security, and development. The continent comprises 54 internationally recognized sovereign states and constitutes a substantial proportion of UN membership. Guterres has described Africa's absence as unjust and indefensible, while Ruto insisted that Africa cannot continue to be shut out.
The inadequacy of the present arrangement was highlighted in June 2025 when the US blocked a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The episode demonstrated how a single permanent member can frustrate the collective position of other Council members. This has strengthened the case for a more representative and accountable Security Council. Tinubu has demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa, with full rights and responsibilities, including veto power.
Securing permanent African representation will require more than forceful speeches at the General Assembly. The reform process is politically difficult, requiring approval by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of the UN member-states, including all five permanent members of the Security Council. Nigeria and other African countries must combine diplomatic pressure with a coherent negotiating strategy.
The African Union's common position on Security Council reform provides an important foundation for negotiations. However, continental leaders must sustain their unity over key issues such as the number of seats, selection of representatives, regional rotation, and veto powers. Internal disagreements could weaken Africa's bargaining position and give opponents of reform an excuse to delay actions.
Nigeria has a legitimate interest in shaping the campaign for African representation on the Security Council, given its population, diplomatic history, economic potential, and contributions to peacekeeping. However, its leadership must be exercised through sustained engagement with other African states, rather than assuming the country's size alone entitles it to represent the continent. The objective should be effective African representation, not merely the elevation of one country.
Key points
- The UN Security Council's structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects today's geopolitical realities.
- Africa's exclusion from permanent membership is a glaring omission, given its significant contributions to international discussions.
- Securing permanent African representation will require a coherent negotiating strategy and diplomatic pressure from Nigeria and other African countries.
