The long-standing debate regarding a fair representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is gaining renewed momentum. Since its establishment, the fate of many nations has rested in the hands of just five permanent members having veto power. Notably, even the founding nations of the UN lack a secured permanent seat, and the continent of Africa, despite its significant population and geopolitical relevance, remains unrepresented at the highest decision-making level in the UNSC.
Historically, discussions about Africa’s security and development have often taken place without the representation of African nations at the table. This exclusion raises critical questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the UN as a global governance body. In light of on-going challenges, including security threats, famine, drought, and terrorism, the absence of a permanent African seat in the UNSC underscores a systemic inequity that many are now eager to address.
In response to this injustice, numerous African countries, alongside the African Union (AU) and other regional organizations, are actively advocating for Africa’s permanent seat in the UNSC. The call for reform is not merely about representation; it is about ensuring that African voices are heard in discussions that directly impact the continent’s future.
Ambassador Jorge Catarino Cardoso, the Director of the Africa, Middle East, and Regional Organizations Directorate at the Angolan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted this issue in his previous interview with The Ethiopian Herald. He emphasized that for over 70 years, African nations have lacked adequate representation and the ability to safeguard their interests at the UNSC. “Africa has myriad problems related to security and peace, yet discussions on these matters often exclude African nations’ presence and voices,” he remarked.
The current landscape reflects a growing recognition among the global community about the need for reform within the UNSC. The on-going discussions regarding the inclusion of more diverse voices are crucial not only for Africa but for the broader Global South, which has similarly faced marginalization in international forums.
The recent attention from the United States and support from other veto-wielding powers like Russia and China indicates a potential shift in the paradigm. These nations have expressed their backing for Africa’s bid for a permanent seat.
In a recent webinar, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, highlighted the critical need for reform in the United Nations Security Council, drawing parallels between today’s global challenges and those faced in 1965. During that time, the UN expanded significantly in membership but struggled with issues of representation and legitimacy, particularly within its Security Council, which comprised only 11 members.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that the world is at a pivotal juncture, similar to the 1960s. With the post-Cold War era behind us, the international community now confronts unprecedented challenges, including conflict, climate change, and the on-going impacts of COVID-19. She argued that, with 193 member states representing over 8 billion people, the UN must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Highlighting the need for a more inclusive Security Council, she pointed out that the current structure fails to adequately represent the demographics and challenges of today’s world. The ambassador announced U.S. support for expanding the Council to include two permanent seats for African countries, as well as proposed rotating seats for Small Island Developing States, which face unique threats from climate change.
Moreover, Thomas-Greenfield called for a shift from mere discussion to concrete action regarding Security Council reform. She proposed engaging in text-based negotiations to draft amendments, stressing the importance of personal diplomacy and collaboration among nations to achieve meaningful reform.
Acknowledging the scepticism surrounding reform efforts, especially among nations in the Global South, she stated, “We can’t avoid something because it’s hard.” Over the past two years, she has engaged with over 80 countries to discuss the U.S. position on UN reform, noting, “There was a time when we didn’t support this,” emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue.
Regarding accountability, Thomas-Greenfield explained that upcoming negotiations would require countries to present their reform proposals in written form. “This will allow us to sit with those models and use them as a basis for negotiation,” she said.
Reflecting on past reform efforts, she expressed a commitment to inclusivity: “No country is too small or insignificant. Every vote counts.” This sentiment underscores the U.S. approach to engaging with nations across various regions, including Small Island developing states and landlocked countries.
Stressing that any new permanent members should not gain veto power, she argued that the current system often leads to dysfunction within the Council. On African representation, Thomas-Greenfield confirmed U.S. support for two permanent seats for African nations, stating that the choice of candidates will ultimately be determined by the African nations themselves. “It’s not for me to tell the Africans who should run for their seats,” she said, underscoring the importance of self-determination.
She also introduced the innovative idea of a seat for Small Island Developing States, assuring that these nations would have a meaningful voice in Security Council decisions. “They guard their sovereignty and engage actively with larger powers,” she noted, highlighting their ability to assert their interests. The upcoming negotiations promise to be a significant step forward in creating a more equitable and effective United Nations.
As the U.S. seeks to reclaim its leadership role at the UN, Thomas-Greenfield’s remarks underscore the necessity for a Security Council that is both representative and equipped to address current and future global challenges. “The time for change is now,” she concluded.
The call for a permanent African seat in the UNSC is more than a request for representation; it is a demand for justice and equity in an organization that has historically marginalized large segments of its members. As discussions continue and more voices join the chorus for reform, the hope is that the UN will evolve into a more inclusive and representative body one that truly reflects the diversity and needs of all its member states. The time for change is now, and it is crucial that the injustices of the past are not allowed to dictate the future.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2024
