A recent study has called for a well-coordinated strategy by African countries to push for reforms that would give the continent greater influence on the United Nations Security Council. The study, conducted by IBN Yussif Duranah Abdul-Mumin Seidu, highlights that Africa's continued participation in the UN General Assembly has not translated into the structural representation it desires at the UNSC. Despite having 54 member states in the United Nations, Africa has no permanent seat on the UNSC.
The study proposes a three-pronged strategy comprising a temporary coordinated diplomatic boycott of the United Nations General Assembly, a counter-summit in Addis Ababa, and conditional re-engagement with the UN system. This strategy aims to draw attention to Africa's demand for structural reforms at the UNSC. The study argues that Africa's current role in the UN system is characterized by more "noise" than "voice," with African leaders given opportunities to address the UNGA but lacking corresponding binding decision-making power within the UNSC.
The study notes that the five permanent members of the UNSC – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States – have veto powers over substantive Council decisions, creating a structural imbalance. Africa's current situation calls for a strategic reassessment of its engagement with the UN, particularly as repeated appeals for Security Council reform have yet to produce the permanent representation the continent needs. The study emphasizes that Africa contributes significant peacekeeping personnel and constitutes the majority of the UNSC's agenda but remains a norm-taker rather than a norm-maker.
The proposed strategy includes a "Coordinated Diplomatic Boycott" involving a temporary collective absence of the 54 African countries from the UNGA. This action would serve as a bargaining strategy to draw attention to Africa's demand for structural reforms at the UNSC. The study also recommends that the African Union convene a counter-summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to enable African leaders to coordinate their position on UN reform.
The counter-summit should reaffirm the Common African Position, including the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which call for permanent African representation on the UNSC. The AU's Common African Position has called for at least two permanent seats for Africa on the UNSC, with the full prerogatives of permanent membership, including veto rights for as long as the veto continues to exist. This would enable Africa to have a stronger voice in international peace and security matters.
The study also proposes a "conditional re-engagement" with the UNGA on a time-bound roadmap for UNSC reforms. This approach would ensure that African countries' participation in the UNGA is tied to tangible progress on UNSC reform. Additionally, the study raises concerns about the financial implications of African countries' annual participation in the UNGA, citing expenditure on accommodation, transportation, and delegation logistics.
The study emphasizes that such expenditure should be assessed against the diplomatic benefits derived from participation. The proposed strategy aims to amplify Africa's influence on the UNSC and ensure that the continent's voices are heard in international decision-making processes. The study's recommendations provide a framework for African countries to push for reforms and increase their representation on the UNSC.
Key points
- A three-pronged strategy is proposed to amplify Africa's influence on the UNSC.
- The strategy includes a coordinated diplomatic boycott, a counter-summit, and conditional re-engagement.
- The study aims to ensure that African countries have a stronger voice in international peace and security matters.
