These days, the call for Africa to have permanent seats at the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) table is gaining momentum and receiving a renewed urgency.
In fact, the push for Africa to have equitable representation at the UNSC is not a new matter. It has been raised for a long time as it holds a broader significance and far-reaching benefits not only for the people of Africa but also for the wider global community.
The quest bridges the principle of multilateralism, which is the missing link and an essential element to ensure a more inclusive global order, address complex global challenges, and sustain worldwide peace and security. However, Africa’s potential for such global efforts has always been undermined and regarded as a thing of little worth.
Sadly enough, the continent while underrepresented in voice, it is always overrepresented in challenges associated with conflicts, civil war, emergencies, and geopolitical crises.
As it is widely known, Africa has deep-rooted historic problems. From the slavery time to the colonial and postcolonial eras and even today, the continent has been; and it is still facing numerous challenges. Many of the conflicts originate in Africa. Some parts of the region are still havens for terrorists’ incubation. The region is the most vulnerable area impacted negatively by climate and climate change-related challenges. This, coupled with its geopolitical location and its vast natural resources, the continent has remained a ground where proxy wars are raging.
In reality, the Security Council was also established to address and resolve such global threats. However, Africa does not have a single seat that enables its voice to be heard. Rather, all the problems that the continent encountered always entertained in the absence of it, and decisions that directly affect its development and stability are passed- without adequate African input, and lacking contextual awareness of Africans’ unique historical, social, and political contexts.
In this rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, Africa, which is home to 54 nations and the second largest continent in terms of size and population, as many as close to 1.6 billion, plus substantial geopolitical importance, is seen as a peripheral part of the world, instead of considered as an important partner as any other regions.
It should not be considered a bystander that simply shoulders all of the decisions passed by global actors against its own internal affairs and own interests. It should be seen as a significant partner at global platforms and sit at a similar table to speak for itself and voice on global matters that affect its own interest and its people. In this regard, having seats at the UNSC’s table provides Africa a unique opportunity to voice for itself and speak up on the common global challenges.
Today, the world is evolving into a new era and a new world order. The world continues to grapple with complex issues. In such cases, strengthening multilateral efforts and entertaining diverse perspectives and insights is critical to addressing global challenges such as climate change, conflict and security threats, and economic inequality.
In this regard, ensuring that African nations have seats at the UNSC table is vital to ensure the principle of multilateralism, and promote effective global governance. The international community should also recognize the value of African representation in the UNSC to create a more equitable and fair world order.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 2024
