Headline: "Why a Permanent Seat at the UNSC is Crucial for Africa’s Influence"
Summary: In an exclusive interview with Media Talk Africa, Babafemi Badejo, a former Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Professor of Political Science & International Relations, discussed the importance of a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for Africa. He emphasized that having a permanent seat with a veto power would enable Africa to influence global decisions and negotiate with other countries on issues of interest.
Key Points:
- The UNSC was established after World War II, with five permanent members (USA, UK, France, Russia, and China) having veto power. Africa was not considered a major power at the time and was not given a permanent seat.
- The Ezulwini Consensus, adopted in 2003, calls for two permanent seats for Africa on the UNSC, but with no veto power. However, Africa has been pushing for permanent seats with veto power.
- Nigeria has been a strong contender for a permanent seat, but its leadership role in peacekeeping and advocacy is not enough to guarantee a seat. Badejo emphasized that Nigeria needs to rebuild its reputation and articulate clear positions at the international level.
- The US has offered to support two permanent seats for Africa, but with no veto power. This has created a debate within Africa, with some countries pushing for permanent seats with veto power.
- Badejo suggested that Africa should return to the Ezulwini consensus and focus on building a new and genuine consensus. He emphasized that Africa needs to get its home situation correct, including its leadership and reputation, before pushing for a permanent seat.
Conclusion: A permanent seat at the UNSC is crucial for Africa’s influence and ability to negotiate with other countries on issues of interest. However, Africa needs to rebuild its reputation and articulate clear positions at the international level before pushing for a permanent seat. The Ezulwini consensus provides a framework for Africa’s push for permanent seats, but it needs to be revisited and revised to reflect the current global landscape.
