Ruto Calls for United African Push on UN Security Council Reforms
The President noted that Africa bears a major percentage of the burden of the Security Council, especially in issues of peace and security.
President Lourenço emphasized that the UN was established to uphold justice and equity, but it continues to deny Africa permanent membership even though the continent is at the top of its agenda. Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
President William Ruto implored African nations to unite in calling for reforms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that Africa’s persisting non-membership of the Council’s permanent membership is an ingrained injustice which must be resolved.
Speaking at the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on UNSC Reform, held on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Ruto emphasized that Africa needs to take its seat at the table in the most powerful decision-making body in the world.
Africa’s Disproportionate Burden
The President noted that Africa bears a major percentage of the burden of the Security Council, especially in issues of peace and security. He noted that despite the progress made, the continent is still among the largest contributors of UN peacekeeping missions and continues to be at the forefront of Security Council negotiations.
“Even though it carries these responsibilities, Africa continues to be denied a permanent seat in the Security Council. That is unacceptable and must come to an end. The time to do so is now,” Ruto said.
The Common African Position
Ruto reaffirmed his pledge to the Common African Position, which calls for fair and permanent representation of Africa at the UNSC. Ruto encouraged African leaders to make the continent’s demand for reform louder on bilateral, regional, and multilateral platforms.
He further stressed that unity is the very thing to be employed in the defense of this stance, calling on the African nations to demonstrate political maturity and unity during negotiations. He further indicated that Africa needs to prepare itself to cope with the burdens of having permanent representation, including reaching consensus on mechanisms to select its representatives.
Leaders Echo the Demand
The meeting, which was chaired by Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, also featured speeches by the Chair of the present African Union, Angola President João Lourenço, Namibia Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
President Bio asserted that Africa’s demand is “legitimate, non-negotiable, and just” and also added that UNSC reform can never be successful without Africa’s involvement. President Lourenço emphasized that the UN was established to uphold justice and equity, but it continues to deny Africa permanent membership even though the continent is at the top of its agenda.
Mr. Youssouf condemned the existing imbalance, suggesting that the Security Council cannot be legitimate if it excludes Africa. “Africa will no longer sit on the sidelines of history,” he asserted. Similarly, Nandi-Ndaitwah urged members of the Security Council to support the cause of Africa and stand “on the right side of history.”
Kenya’s Commitment
In short, President Ruto pledged Kenya’s unwavering commitment to driving Africa’s position forward. He assured fellow leaders that Kenya will continue to collaborate with members of C-10, the African Union, and the remainder of UN membership until Africa receives its rightful place.
According to Ruto, providing Africa with a permanent seat is not just an issue of justice but also an imperative to building a united and credible world order.
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