United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres has faulted the exclusion of Africa from permanent membership of the UN Security Council, describing the absence of permanent African representation as unjust and indefensible.
Guterres said the Security Council must be reformed to reflect the realities of the 21st century, arguing that its current composition does not adequately represent the contemporary international system or meet the demands of emerging global challenges.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General reiterated that Africa remains without a permanent seat on the 15-member Security Council, despite the continent’s significant role in the United Nations and its exposure to many of the conflicts and security challenges considered by the Council.
He said the continued absence of permanent African representation raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council, stressing the need for reforms that would make the body more representative of the world it is expected to serve.
According to the statement, “Africa still has no permanent seat on the Security Council. A 21st century Security Council without permanent African representation is unjust & indefensible.
“We must reform the Council so that it reflects today’s world with the legitimacy and effectiveness that today’s challenges demand.
“A 21st century Security Council without permanent African representation is unjust and indefensible.”
He added that reforming the Council was necessary to ensure that its composition reflects today’s geopolitical realities and strengthens its ability to respond effectively to contemporary international peace and security challenges.