African leaders have renewed pressure for fairness and reforms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), demanding permanent representation for the continent in global decision-making.
President William Ruto said Africa must stand united in calling for justice within the global governance system.
He spoke during a meeting of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UN Security Council, held on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
“Africa must stand united in calling for fair representation on the United Nations Security Council. For far too long, the continent has been excluded from permanent membership though most of the Council’s peace and security decisions focus on Africa,” President Ruto said.
He described the continued exclusion of Africa from permanent membership as a grave injustice that undermines the legitimacy and inclusivity of the global body.“
President William Ruto addresses the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) meeting on UN Security Council reforms during the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
It is time to address this grave injustice to make the UN inclusive and fit-for-purpose,” he added.
The C-10, established by the African Union, leads Africa’s collective push for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council.
The committee advocates for at least two permanent seats with veto power and five non-permanent seats for Africa, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
African leaders have long argued that the current structure of the Security Council—comprising five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members—reflects the geopolitical realities of 1945 rather than today’s global order.
Despite accounting for 54 countries and a significant portion of the Council’s agenda, Africa has no permanent seat.
President Ruto emphasized that unity among African states remains critical in strengthening the continent’s bargaining power in intergovernmental negotiations at the UN General Assembly.
The 39th AU Summit brought together Heads of State and Government to deliberate on key continental priorities, including peace and security, economic integration, climate resilience, and institutional reform.
