Kenyan President William Ruto on Tuesday called for Africa to gain permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, describing the continent’s exclusion as “unacceptable and indefensible.”
Speaking at the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C‑10) Heads of State on Security Council Reform, held alongside the 80th UN General Assembly, Ruto said Africa must have a stronger voice in global decisions on peace, security, and development.
“Africa is no longer willing to wait on the margins of global governance while decisions about peace, security, and development are made without our perspectives and without our voice,” Ruto said. He proposed that Africa be granted two permanent seats with full voting rights, including veto power, alongside additional non-permanent seats.
Ruto highlighted Africa’s contributions to UN peacekeeping operations and the disproportionate impact of global conflicts on the continent as reasons the reform is long overdue. He warned that without it, the United Nations risks losing credibility and legitimacy.
The president also urged African nations to unite behind the Common African Position, presenting a cohesive front in negotiations with the broader UN membership. He acknowledged that permanent membership carries responsibilities, including decisions about representation and the management of veto powers.
The push for African permanent representation on the Security Council has been ongoing for decades. Key frameworks include the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, both issued in 2005, in which African leaders demanded fairer representation and permanent seats. The C‑10 committee, comprised of African heads of state, continues to champion this agenda.
Analysts say that securing permanent seats would allow Africa to influence key decisions affecting the continent, from peacekeeping missions to economic development initiatives. However, reforms face resistance from current permanent members, who may be reluctant to cede veto power.
Ruto’s remarks come amid a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s voice in global governance, with leaders emphasizing that representation should reflect the continent’s population, contributions to peacekeeping, and growing economic significance.
