The United Nations secretary-general has emphasized the need for African nations to have permanent seats on the UN Security Council, describing the current absence as 'indefensible'.
The statement was made during an address to the African Union, where the secretary-general highlighted the lack of representation for African countries, as well as those in Latin America and most of Asia, despite their significant populations.
According to officials, the call for reform is not new, but the secretary-general's statement has brought renewed attention to the issue, with many arguing that the current structure does not accurately reflect the global landscape.
Background
The UN Security Council is composed of 15 members, with 5 permanent seats currently held by China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Authorities said the lack of permanent seats for African nations and other regions has led to concerns about the council's ability to effectively address global issues.
The African Union has long advocated for greater representation on the Security Council, with many arguing that it is essential for the continent's interests to be properly represented.
International Context
Experts, including Olukayode Bakare, a visiting scholar in international relations and African politics, have noted that reforming the UN Security Council will require significant efforts from member states.
Mukesh Kapila, former UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, and Tim Murithi, senior adviser at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, have also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the need for a more inclusive and representative Security Council.
Source: Al Jazeera
