During the UN General Assembly, African leaders strongly advocated for a more inclusive and representative UN Security Council, urging global powers to address the long-standing imbalance in its composition. They emphasized that the legacy of colonialism has left Africa disproportionately excluded from key discussions that affect the continent, such as conflict resolution, climate change, and sustainable development.
The leaders called for reform, stating that the current 15-member structure is outdated and no longer fit to handle today’s global challenges. They stressed that the lack of diverse representation undermines the Council’s legitimacy, particularly when dealing with Africa’s pressing issues of peace and security.
Malawi’s President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera was among the prominent voices, demanding that the UN grant Africa two permanent seats on the Security Council with veto power. He urged swift action, declaring that the time to correct this imbalance is now.
Kenya’s President William Ruto echoed these sentiments, calling the current international security system dysfunctional and unaccountable. He pointed out that a council structure allowing one country to veto the decisions of 193 other member states is unacceptable, especially when 54 African nations, representing 1.4 billion people, are excluded.
Gambia’s President Adama Barrow and King Letsie III of Lesotho also called for comprehensive reforms to ensure the Security Council better reflects global realities. They advocated for stronger cooperation between the Council and regional organizations to swiftly resolve conflicts and improve the Council’s decision-making legitimacy.
The leaders collectively reiterated the importance of a fairer, more inclusive UN to address the challenges of today’s world and ensure a better future for all nations.
