UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for reform of the UN Security Council to better reflect the modern world order. Speaking at the opening of the 81st UN General Assembly debate in New York, Guterres emphasized that Africa's continued lack of permanent representation on the council is unjust and must be addressed. The continent accounts for more than a quarter of UN member states and every third child born.
The current structure of the Security Council has five permanent members - Russia, China, the US, the UK, and France - which hold veto powers, as well as ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and Somalia, currently only participate through the latter category. Guterres stated that a 21st-century UN Security Council without permanent African seats is unjust and indefensible.
Earlier this month, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama renewed calls for permanent African representation on the Security Council. Mahama argued that the continent's continued exclusion undermines the legitimacy of the UN's most powerful body. Other African leaders have made similar demands, emphasizing that the current structure no longer reflects global realities.
The African Union's shared position calls for at least two permanent seats with the same privileges as existing members, including veto powers. This position has received support from various countries, including Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously backed expanding the Security Council to include greater African representation.
In August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that greater representation for Africa would help correct a historical injustice. Lavrov argued that any future expansion should primarily benefit African countries rather than Western states, which he said are already overrepresented. This sentiment is shared by many who believe that the current structure of the Security Council is outdated.
The issue of reforming the Security Council has been a longstanding one, with many countries calling for changes to reflect the modern global order. The UN Secretary-General's comments are likely to reignite discussions on this topic. The international community will be watching closely to see how this issue unfolds in the coming months.
The push for reform is not limited to Africa, with many countries calling for a more representative and inclusive Security Council. The issue is complex and will require careful consideration and negotiation. However, with the support of key countries like Russia and the African Union, there is a growing momentum for change.
Key points
- The UN Secretary-General has called for reform of the UN Security Council to better reflect the modern world order.
- Africa's continued lack of permanent representation on the council is considered unjust and indefensible.
- The African Union's shared position calls for at least two permanent seats with the same privileges as existing members, including veto powers.
