Over the years, African leaders have been advocating for an increase in representation within the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). They argue that the current composition of the council does not reflect the current geopolitical reality of the world particularly in relation to Africa. They claim that the current distribution of power is skewed against Africa and this inequality needs to be addressed.
They demand that the UNSC undergoes structural reform to redress the existing imbalances and ensure that Africa’s active participation in global governance is secured. Despite repeated calls from various African leaders and scholars, the council has failed to give a swift response on the matter.
The lack of a permanent representation for Africa in the UNSC has been a matter of concern for many stakeholders. The absence of a voice for the continent in one of the most significant international bodies is seen as a significant disadvantage to Africa. This lack of representation also leaves Africa vulnerable to security threats which ultimately have an impact on the continent’s development.
For several years now, African nations have been working tirelessly to bring about positive change and ensure that their voices are heard and their viewpoints represented on a global level. This desire for change is fueled by the recognition that Africa has for far too long been marginalized and overlooked by the rest of the world and that decisive action is urgently needed if the continent is to achieve its full potential.
Many scholars have questioned the legitimacy of the council citing its failure to reform in response to the changing global landscape. They argue that the council’s composition does not reflect the current geopolitical realities of the world, and its decision-making process lacks transparency and accountability.
African leaders believe that the failure of the UNSC to provide the continent with a permanent representation undermines the principle of equity and fairness in international relations.
The possibility of an increased African presence in the UNSC is anticipated to have a positive impact on the continent’s development trajectory. More African leaders on the council will create an avenue to advocate for policies that address critical developmental areas such as infrastructure, industrialization, human capital, trade and foreign investment, and value addition to the continent’s resources. This type of engagement provides the necessary platform to push agendas that are critical to Africa’s continued growth and development.
Increased representation will further provide new avenues for African countries to participate in global decision-making which will enable them to have more significant influence on issues that affect their progress. If Africa can remain steadfast in the face of continuing challenges there is firm belief that it will eventually achieve its full potential. This determination towards progress and development will ensure that African citizens have the chance to live meaningful, productive lives in a world free of violence, oppression, and injustice.
The African leaders believe that more prominent African representation in the UNSC would allow challenges specific to Africa to receive greater attention and address concerns that directly affect the continent. These issues relate to conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and development. Africa has faced numerous internal conflicts, including civil wars and regional conflicts, which have often degenerated into humanitarian crises.
African leaders have long fought for permanent seats in the UNSC recognizing the urgent need to have their voices heard in this important global body. While there have been sporadic efforts to achieve this goal, it has largely remained an elusive dream. Despite this, the African Union, as one of the highest authorities in the continent should redouble its efforts to make this dream a reality. By doing so, the African continent can finally have a rightful say in the important decisions that affect its future.
The granting of permanent seats on the UNSC will provide African nations with a much-needed opportunity to play a meaningful role in the decision-making processes that affect their continent. This newfound representation will empower them to shape discussions around matters that deeply affect them, making them more effective and inclusive to the needs of African society.
By including Africa in the decision-making process, the continent can become a major contributor to global peace and stability. The move towards greater inclusivity in international relations offers Africa an opportunity to significantly influence global decisions, improve governance structures and processes, and promote human development and prosperity.
The leaders of African nations firmly believe that the inclusion of more prominent African representation in UNSC is vital to address the specific challenges facing the continent. Such challenges pertain mainly to the issues surrounding conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and development. African nations are keen to participate fully in shaping the global peace and security agenda. They are putting in a lot of effort to see to it that their voices are heard whenever significant decisions are made in the international arena.
The reasons that Africans feel this way about having more representation in the global stage are numerous. One of the significant reasons is the fact that the continent has been subjected to a long history of exploitation and marginalization. Facing this historical injustice has resulted in African nations’ need to push for representation in the global community and ensure that their interests are taken into account.
The continent has been plagued with socio-economic hardships, political turmoil, armed conflicts, famine, and other natural disasters that have left African people struggling to make ends meet. Despite this, however, the people of Africa are not deterred by these adversities. They continue to work tirelessly to effect positive change, and with continued persistence, it is hoped that Africa can and will reach its full potential.
Withstanding attempts to maintain the unbalanced world order, Africans should stand together to secure permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and have a say on their peace and security matters, a veteran diplomat said.
The UNSC reform, including the expansion of the current five veto-wielding members has remained the major talking point among actors of international politics.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, the ex-diplomat Ambassador Tiruneh Zena stated that Africa’s robust economic growth, establishment of strong institutions and productive population make its exclusion from the council inconvincible. “Some permanent members of the UNSC want to keep the current international order, but this cannot be true due to various reasons. For instance, there is a loud voice and strong push from African countries to join the council on a permanent basis.”
The ex-ambassador pleaded African leaders who will partake in the UNGA 78 to make a united voice to ensure the continent’s permanent representation in the world’s premier body for international peace and security.
“There is a projection that some African countries would join the club of big economies around 2030/40. As a result, countries including Ethiopia would become economically robust in the near future. The next century could be Africa’s century as the continent is registering astonishing developments and achievements.”
About Ethiopia, he expressed optimism that the country could play a prominent role in mobilizing African partners to come up with a united stance that would enhance the continent’s share in international relations.
According to him, rotating Africa’s permanent seat in the UNSC would make the continent advantageous and help the countries to have more capacity to take their peace and security matters in hand. The seat would be granted for the African Union (AU) and it would rotate among constituent members, Ambassador Tiruneh remarked.
Some permanent members of the UNSC including the U.S. and Russia supported the motion to ensure permanent seats not only for different countries including Japan, Germany, and India but also for countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The UNSC is one of the six principal organs of the UN and charged with international peace and security. China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States are UNSC permanent members with veto-wielding status.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
The Ethiopian Herald September 28/2023
