“We’ve been pushing for a reconsideration so that Africa becomes a bona fide participant around the table, particularly in the [UN] Security Council,” Malawi’s told DW in an exclusive interview. “I raise those questions every time I’ve had a chance to speak up.” Chakwera is the latest of African leaders calling for reforms at the .
The UNSC consists of five permanent members — , the , , the , and . They all wield veto power, meaning each of the six countries can unilaterally vote to stop a resolution to protect its national interest, even if the others have approved. The remaining ten seats are non-permanent and are allocated regionally.
Recently, there have been growing calls to expand the security council. African countries aren’t the only ones that want more representation. While there’s a general sense that the UNSC needs to reform, discussions have bogged down over differences on how much to expand the group, what countries to include, and what powers it should have.
Permanent seats for Africa – a distant dream?
On August 12, the UNSC held a crucial meeting to address Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, told the Security Council that after decades of seeking a bigger voice in the United Nations’ most powerful body, Africa “cannot wait any longer.”
“Africa demands two permanent seats in the UN Security Council and two additional non-permanent seats, bringing the total number of non-permanent seats to five,” Bio emphasized, adding that “the African Union will choose the African Permanent Member . Africa wants the veto abolished.”
“However, if UN member states wish to retain the veto, it must be extended to all new Permanent Members as a matter of justice.”
Bio is the coordinator of the African Union Committee of ten heads of State and Government on UNSC Reform, known as C-10, a platform he uses to amplify his calls for reforms at the UNSC. Bio has been particularly vocal this year, as Sierra Leone currently holds a non-permanent seat on the Security Council and presides over the council for August.
Why Africa has been under-represented
. In the longstanding debate over Africa’s representation, Analysts say it is clear that Africa’s 54 countries play a vital role in the global peace effort. However, the continent’s voice remains stifled by the UN Security Council.
“We cannot accept that the world’s preeminent peace and security body lacks a permanent voice for a continent of well over a billion people — a young and rapidly growing population — making up 28 percent of the membership of the United Nations,” , the UN Secretary-General, said at a UNSC meeting. “Nor can we accept that Africa’s views are undervalued on questions of peace and security, both on the continent and worldwide,” Guterres added. The continent’s 54 countries make up 28% of the UN’s member states.
Guterres noted that over 40% of UN peacekeepers are in Africa, stressing that in times of crisis and geopolitical division, African countries are often amongst the first to champion peace, multilateral solutions, and adherence to international law and the UN charter.
“But African efforts and contributions are not matched by Africa’s representation.”
A relic of World War II
Set up in 1945 to maintain peace after , the Security Council can levy sanctions, deploy peacekeeping missions, and pass legally binding resolutions. Its composition reflects the post-war power structure when most of Africa was under European colonialism.
UN member countries have floated varying ideas for changing the council, but any move to accommodate Africa would likely stir pressure to consider other proposals. The United States, for instance, backs adding permanent seats for countries in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, among others.
Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu
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