UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a strong appeal for the reform of the United Nations Security Council, advocating for a permanent seat for Africa. Speaking during a high-level discussion chaired by Sierra Leone, the Council President for August, Guterres emphasized that the current structure of the Security Council is outdated and fails to reflect the changing global dynamics.
Guterres highlighted that the Security Council’s composition, which was established at the end of World War II, no longer aligns with today’s geopolitical realities. He pointed out that most African countries were still under colonial rule in 1945 and, therefore, had no representation in international affairs.
He argued that it is unacceptable for a continent with over a billion people to lack a permanent voice on the world’s foremost peace and security body. Guterres urged the international community to address this historical injustice and grant Africa the representation it deserves.
The UN General Assembly President, Dennis Francis, also addressed the Council, reinforcing Guterres’s call. He emphasized Africa’s critical role in global peace and security, citing recent events in South Sudan and Haiti as examples of Africa’s growing influence in international security matters.
The call for reform comes amid increasing pressure from various geographic groups and member states for a more inclusive and representative Security Council that can better address global challenges.
