Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Sierra Leonian president, Julius Maada Bio is demanding a permanent representation of Africa at the UN Security Council (UNSC).
The push for him is to correct a “historical wrong” as Africa remains the only continent without representation on the council, “despite African issues dominating the Council’s agenda.”
Africa is yet to have a permanent seat at the Security Council after 80 years since the establishment of the United Nations. Many have described this as ‘institutional discrimination’ against African countries.
In an address at the 7th C-10 Summit at the UN’s 80th anniversary, Maada Bio says the calls are not pleas for favour but a demand for justice.
“This exclusion, a relic of bygone era, is a profound injustice. Decisions about Africa must no longer be taken without Africa,” he said
Kenya’s president, William Ruto in a separate call, urged African leaders to unite in demanding a fair representation.
“African leaders must amplify Africa’s voice across all platforms, unite behind fair representation, and defend the Common African position,” he tweeted.
Several calls have been made for Africa’s permanent inclusion on the Council. Last year, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres called on the Council to reform the structure, describing it as outdated.
“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 … nor can we accept that Africa’s views are undervalued on questions of peace and security, both on the continent and around the world,” he said.
The UNSC consists of 15 members with 5 permanent members and 10 with nonpermanent seats.
The five permanent members with veto power are China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom – while the remaining 10 include three seats for African states; two each for Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and other states; and one for Eastern Europe.
Julius Maada Bio believes the fight for a place on the Council is “legitimate, non negotiable and just.”
