Ruto calls for permanent African seats on UN Security Council
Kenyan President William Ruto has renewed calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council, urging permanent African representation with the full rights and privileges of permanent membership. He made the appeal during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Africa Remains Without Permanent Seat
Ruto pointed out that Africa has 54 UN member states, representing more than a quarter of the General Assembly, yet the continent has no permanent seat on the Security Council. He argued that Africa remains involved in many of the issues considered by the Council without having a permanent role in its decision-making.
Council Created For Different Era
Ruto said the Security Council was established in 1945, when most African countries were still under colonial rule and had no representation in the institutions being created. He argued that the international system has changed considerably since then, while the structure of the Council has remained largely unchanged.
Africa Seeks Greater Role
The Kenyan president’s comments form part of a broader African campaign for changes to the global governance system. The African Union has continued to push for permanent representation on the Security Council as part of its wider efforts to increase the continent’s influence in international decision-making.
African Common Position
Africa’s longstanding position, outlined through the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, calls for two permanent African seats and additional non-permanent seats on an expanded Security Council. Kenya has repeatedly supported this position in UN negotiations.
South Africa Supports Reform
South Africa has also identified Security Council reform as an important diplomatic priority. Its Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Mxolisi Sizo Nkosi, has previously said reform of the Council remains an important part of South Africa’s agenda.
Guterres Backs African Representation
Ruto’s call came a day after UN Secretary-General António Guterres also addressed the issue during the opening of the General Assembly debate. Guterres said Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership was unjust and called for the Council to become more representative of current geopolitical realities.
Five Permanent Members
The Security Council currently has 15 members, including five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. No African country is among the five permanent members.
Reform Talks Continue
Any change to the Council’s membership would require agreement among UN member states through the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform. The debate includes questions over the number of new seats, regional representation and the powers attached to permanent membership.
Africa Pushes For Representation
Ruto’s latest intervention adds Kenya’s voice to a longstanding African diplomatic campaign. The issue is expected to remain prominent during the current UN General Assembly as African governments continue pressing for changes to the structure of global decision-making.
