In Ethiopia, UN Chief Advocates for Permanent Security Council Seats for Africa
Background:
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the principal body responsible for international peace and security. It consists of 15 members, including five permanent members (P5) – the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia – and ten non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
Africa is the only continent that does not have any permanent representation on the UNSC, despite being the most populous and diverse region in the world, with 54 countries.
UN Chief’s Advocacy:
On March 3, 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Ethiopia and met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. During their meeting, Guterres strongly advocated for the expansion of the UNSC to include permanent seats for Africa.
Guterres argued that Africa should have a greater voice and representation in decision-making on global peace and security issues. He emphasized the continent’s contributions to peacekeeping operations and its efforts to address conflicts and promote development.
Justification for Permanent Seats:
Proponents of permanent Security Council seats for Africa cite several reasons:
- Fair Representation: Africa, with its large population and diverse perspectives, deserves equal representation on the UNSC.
- Enhanced Peace and Security: African countries have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in their region and can provide valuable perspectives on conflict prevention and resolution.
- Strengthened Legitimacy: Expanding the UNSC to include Africa would make it more inclusive and representative, enhancing its legitimacy in the eyes of the international community.
- Improved Global Governance: A more representative Security Council would better reflect the global balance of power and improve the governance of international affairs.
Challenges:
However, there are also challenges to the proposal for permanent Security Council seats for Africa:
- Regional Divisions: Africa is a diverse continent with different regional groups and interests. Reaching consensus on which countries should hold permanent seats could be difficult.
- Veto Power: Permanent members of the Security Council have veto power, meaning they can block any resolution. Granting veto power to African countries could raise concerns about the potential for abuse.
- Resistance from Existing P5: The existing permanent members of the UNSC are unlikely to support any proposal that would diminish their power or influence.
Conclusion:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ advocacy for permanent Security Council seats for Africa reflects the growing demand for greater representation and influence for the continent on the world stage. While there are challenges to achieving this goal, the arguments for fair representation, enhanced peace and security, and improved global governance make it an important aspiration to pursue.
In Ethiopia, UN chief advocates for permanent Security Council seats for Africa
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