UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that Africa's lack of a permanent seat is unjust and indefensible. He stated that the Security Council must reflect the realities of the 21st century, with permanent African representation. Guterres' remarks come as the international community continues to debate the need for reform in global institutions. The UN chief's comments were made in the context of ongoing discussions on the UN Security Council's structure and representation.
The issue of Africa's representation on the UN Security Council has been a longstanding concern. During the 2025 UN General Assembly, Kenyan President William Ruto renewed calls for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the Council. Ruto termed the continent's exclusion unacceptable and indefensible. He emphasized that Africa's voice must be amplified across all global platforms, and that the continent's exclusion undermines the credibility of the United Nations.
President Ruto's sentiments were echoed during the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council Reform. The Summit was held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Ruto assured that Kenya will fully support the push to ensure Africa's demands are no longer deferred. He also urged African states to prepare to shoulder the responsibilities that come with permanent membership.
Africa's exclusion from the UN Security Council is particularly notable given the continent's significant involvement in peacekeeping and its centrality on the Council's agenda. Ruto noted that despite this, Africa remains the only region without permanent representation. He called for Africa to be granted two permanent seats with full rights, including the veto, and two additional non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council.
The Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, adopted two decades ago, had already established Africa's common position on reform. Ruto emphasized that African leaders must unite behind fair representation and defend the Common African Position. He also noted that as Africa presses for representation, the continent must also agree on how it will choose its representatives.
President Ruto is scheduled to deliver Kenya's main address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. His address comes as world leaders gather for the General Debate amid discussions on conflicts, climate change, development financing, technology, and reform of the multilateral system. Ruto has been engaging with world leaders and taking part in meetings on technology, development, and multilateral cooperation.
During his engagements, Ruto has pushed for reforms to the UN Security Council and the international financial system, arguing that global institutions and rules established decades ago should better reflect today's world. He has also called for a greater African role in technology and global decision-making. Key points:
Key points
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for reforms to the UN Security Council, citing Africa's lack of a permanent seat as unjust and indefensible.
- African leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto, are pushing for permanent representation on the UN Security Council, emphasizing the continent's significant involvement in peacekeeping and global affairs.
- The issue of Africa's representation on the UN Security Council has been a longstanding concern, with many arguing that the continent's exclusion undermines the credibility of the United Nations.
