Africa knocks on the door of the veto: The African Union renews its battle for a permanent seat on the Security Council

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The African Union (AU) reiterated its demand for a full permanent seat on the UN Security Council, asserting that the continent’s continued absence from permanent membership represents a historical imbalance in the global governance system. This contradicts the reality that Africa is home to over one billion people and constitutes a major arena for conflicts and decisions discussed by the Council without fair representation.

In an official statement, the AU emphasized that the African continent no longer accepts a passive role in international decision-making, but rather demands an active position at the decision-making table, including the right of veto, just like the other permanent members. The AU considers this right sovereign and indivisible, and cannot be circumvented through alternative formulas or incomplete memberships.

The statement indicated that genuine reform of the Security Council will not be complete without rectifying the imbalance in geographical and historical representation. It argued that granting Africa a permanent seat would enhance the Council’s legitimacy and its ability to address international crises, especially since the African continent is at the forefront of the Council’s agenda regarding peacekeeping and armed conflicts. This renewed demand comes amid growing international discussions about reforming the United Nations system. It is accompanied by increasing support from a number of developing countries, countered by reservations from major powers that fear a redistribution of influence within the Security Council, making Africa’s bid for a permanent seat a protracted political battle. But it has become more urgent than ever.