At the latest United Nations General Assembly, several African presidents took the stage to emphasize the importance of fair representation for Africa on the UN Security Council, including permanent seats with veto power. Here is an overview of their speeches and the demands made.
During the latest United Nations General Assembly, African presidents voiced their calls for reforming the UN Security Council. Among the leaders present were President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa.
President William Samoei Ruto highlighted the need to reform the Security Council to make it more democratic, inclusive, and representative of the world’s peoples. He stated: “Africa deserves two permanent seats with veto power on the Security Council. It is time for the UN to embrace democracy within its own structures.”
President Muhammadu Buhari also stressed the importance of this reform, stating: “Africa plays a crucial role in global peace efforts and deserves adequate representation on the Security Council. We demand two permanent seats with all privileges, including veto power.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized Africa’s contributions to international peace and security, stating: “Africa has been excluded from permanent seats on the Security Council for too long. It is time to correct this historical injustice and give our continent the place it deserves.”
These speeches were supported by other African leaders, all calling for urgent and fair reform of the UN Security Council. They emphasized that Africa, with its 54 member countries, represents a significant portion of the international community and must be adequately heard and represented in global decision-making.
African presidents used the platform of the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for Security Council reform, demanding permanent seats with veto power for Africa. This demand reflects a collective desire to see the UN evolve into a more just organization that represents current global realities.
