UN chief lobbies for permanent African seat on Security Council

August 15, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Secretary General, chief António Guterres wants Africa given a permanent seat at the Security Council.

Addressing the council on Monday, Guterres said inclusion of Africa among the five permanent Security Council members more representative and globally credible.

He said the current composition of the Council undermines the legitimacy of the five permanent members of the Council, China, France, Russia, the UK, and the U.S.

“We cannot accept that the world’s preeminent peace and security body lacks a permanent voice for a continent of well over a billion people,” said Guterres., adding, “Nor can we accept that Africa’s views are undervalued on questions of peace and security, both on the continent and around the world.”

The Security Council is composed of 15 Members: Five permanent members: China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly (with end of term year): Algeria (2025) Ecuador (2024).

More than 50 UN member states have never been members of the Security Council.

However, a state which is a member of the UN but not of the Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that country’s interests are affected. Both members and non-members of the UN, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, may be invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council’s discussions.

(ST)