By staff writer
Addis Ababa, March 5, 2026 (ENA)—The call for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has echoed through Africa for decades. African leaders, diplomats, and policy experts argue that the Council must adapt to the realities of the 21st century, moving beyond the geopolitical framework established in 1945.
At the center of this ongoing discussion is a significant concern: Africa, a continent comprising 54 nations and over 1.4 billion individuals, lacks permanent representation on the Security Council. Although the issues discussed often revolve around African conflicts and peacekeeping missions, the continent remains excluded from the Council’s most powerful decision-making processes.
In recent years, demands for reform have intensified. However, a recent proposal suggesting that Africa be allocated two permanent seats on the Security Council—without veto power—has drawn sharp criticism. Many African leaders characterize this suggestion as insufficient and even humiliating.
African Advocacy for Meaningful Representation
Countries like Ethiopia, home to the African Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, are fiercely advocating for Africa’s rightful representation in the Security Council. Alongside other African nations, Ethiopia has pushed for reforms that would ensure African voices are not just heard, but hold weight in international discussions.
For Ethiopia, this matter transcends mere symbolism; it aims to rectify historical injustices while maintaining the Security Council’s legitimacy itself. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has articulated a strong commitment to reforming the Council, emphasizing that Africa’s representation should align with the Common African Position, which advocates for two permanent seats with full privileges, including veto power.
African leaders warn that anything less would fail to disrupt the underlying imbalance in global governance.
A Proposal That Stirred Controversy
Recent discussions around Security Council reform suggested that Africa should receive two permanent seats, but notably excluded veto rights for these positions. As it stands, veto power is exclusively held by the five permanent members— the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—allowing them to obstruct any significant resolution.
Critics argue that offering Africa these permanent seats without veto authority would merely symbolize inclusion while not granting actual power. Many analysts contend that such a structure risks reinforcing the historical marginalization of Africa within global governance frameworks.
Outdated Structures for a New Era
Experts assert that the current UNSC structure mirrors the power balance of the post-World War II era rather than today’s geopolitical landscape. Professor Andrzej Polus from the University of Wrocław points out that African states were integrated into an international system in which they had minimal say, underscoring that the Council predominantly addresses issues pertaining to sub-Saharan African countries while excluding them from critical decision-making roles.
The need for substantial reform has never been more pressing. Recent forums, such as “Sustaining the Momentum for UNSC Reform Amidst a Dynamic Global Geopolitical Context,” highlighted Africa’s critical role in international peace and security, while recognizing its underrepresentation in the Council.
Solomon Ayele Dersso, Director of Amani Africa Media and Research Services, noted that the world is facing a period of extraordinary geopolitical instability, which exacerbates the need for African representation. He underscored that the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Security Council are increasingly under scrutiny as global conflicts rise to levels not seen since World War II, placing immense pressure on civilians.
African Representation: A Historical Necessity
The demand for permanent representation in the UNSC isn’t a novel idea; it is a continuation of decades-long efforts within African diplomacy. Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Robert Afriyie, emphasizes that Africa’s growing political, economic, and demographic influence warrants reflection in global institutions.
Without meaningful reform, many fear that the Security Council will lose its credibility among significant portions of the Global South, demonstrating the urgent need for a review of multilateral institutions.
Rethinking Multilateral Approaches
Despite existing frustrations with UNSC reform, experts like Professor Polus insist that multilateral institutions can provide vital benefits for African nations. Through diplomatic engagements, African states can diversify partnerships, secure funding, and reduce excessive reliance on any one global power. Initiatives such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and U.S.–Africa Summits highlight the continent’s broadening international relationships.
As the global diplomatic landscape evolves, there is a consensus that international institutions need to adapt. Polus argues that reforming the Security Council entails renegotiating the treaties underpinning global governance, a necessary step towards establishing a more equitable, legitimate, and effective Council.
A Pivotal Moment in International Governance
The dialogue surrounding Africa’s representation in the UNSC serves as a vital test of the international system’s ability to respond to evolving power dynamics. For many African leaders and policymakers, it is clear: representation without real influence is inadequate. To maintain legitimacy in a multipolar world, Africa’s voice must not only be acknowledged but empowered.
