The United Nations Security Council has long been criticized for its lack of representation from Africa, despite the continent’s significant contributions to the organization. Every year, African leaders attend the UN General Assembly in New York, reiterating their demand for a permanent seat on the Security Council. However, their pleas have consistently fallen on deaf ears.
Africa plays a crucial role in the UN, providing the largest share of peacekeepers and shouldering a substantial burden of humanitarian interventions. The continent is also home to over a quarter of the General Assembly’s membership. Nevertheless, when it comes to decision-making on the Security Council, Africa is excluded. The current permanent members, comprising the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, have maintained their grip on power, citing procedural excuses to justify Africa’s exclusion.
The lack of African representation on the Security Council is not only a matter of fairness but also a reflection of the continent’s growing global importance. With its vast mineral wealth, youthful population, and fast-growing economies, Africa has significant bargaining power. However, to effectively utilize this leverage, African countries must present a united front. Regional rivalries and political ego have weakened the continent’s collective demand for a permanent seat.
To break the stalemate, Africa must recognize its strengths and refuse to legitimize a broken system. A coordinated boycott of the General Assembly could be an effective way to draw attention to the issue. Furthermore, African countries must settle their differences and decide on a unified representation. The Ezulwini Consensus, which calls for two permanent seats for Africa, provides a framework for unity, but its implementation has been hindered by regional divisions.
The UN Security Council’s current composition, frozen in the power dynamics of 1945, is no longer fit for purpose. The exclusion of 1.4 billion people from the decision-making process undermines the council’s legitimacy. As Africa continues to grow in importance, it is essential that the continent’s voice is heard on the global stage. The question is no longer whether Africa deserves a seat on the Security Council but rather whether African countries will unite to claim their rightful place.
