The reform of the UN Security Council has become a focal point in international discussions. In September 2023, the United States voiced support for creating two permanent seats for Africa, though without veto rights. This move addresses Africa’s long-standing demands but raises questions about fairness and the overall effectiveness of the UN’s decision-making process.
UN faces the issue of Africa at the Security Council
Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has faced criticism for the composition of its Security Council, a body whose structure still mirrors the post-World War II geopolitical landscape. Currently, the Council consists of 15 members, with 5 permanent members the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom who hold veto power. These nations dominate global decisions, while three rotating seats are reserved for African countries on a two-year term basis.
The call for reform stems from the inherent injustice of this structure, especially for Africa, which comprises 28 % of the UN’s member states with its 54 nations. Despite being heavily impacted by UN interventions, Africa’s influence on the Security Council remains limited. African countries have long advocated for a more balanced system, calling for two permanent seats on the Council. Recent U.S. support has added momentum to this push.
U.S. support : significant step forward ?
On September 12, 2023, the United States announced its backing for two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council though notably without veto power. This marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, aligning with Africa’s demands for a greater role in global decision-making. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized the importance of enabling Africa to contribute more effectively to international affairs.
However, this reform is not without controversy. While the U.S. supports permanent seats for Africa, it stops short of granting veto rights a key issue in the reform debate. While some nations, like Sierra Leone, have called for the complete abolition of the veto, others argue that if veto rights continue to exist, they should be extended to new permanent members, including African nations.
The exclusion of veto rights presents a dilemma. While Africa would gain permanent representation, it would lack the full influence that current permanent members wield, leading some to question whether this move is more symbolic than substantive.
Challenges of UN Security Council reform
Reforming the Security Council is a complicated process that requires approval from two-thirds of the 193 UN member states, including the 5 permanent members. This presents a significant obstacle, given the contentious issues surrounding veto power and the future composition of the Council.
While African nations have garnered support from the U.S. and influential powers like China, they still face opposition from certain states. Russia, for instance, has advised Africa to be cautious, warning that adding new Western countries could weaken Africa’s position within the UN. Such disagreements make the path to reform uncertain.
Additionally, expanding the number of permanent members could slow down decision-making within the Security Council—something that concerns countries like the U.S., which worries that a larger, more cumbersome body might struggle to respond quickly to crises, especially in matters requiring military intervention.
Future of permanent African headquarters : between symbolism and reality
The proposal to create two permanent seats for Africa without veto power represents a major step forward, but it falls short of what many African nations envision. Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has emphasized that Africa seeks equal treatment with existing permanent members, including veto rights. He argues that this is a matter of justice and equality.
Upcoming discussions on the « Pact for the Future », set to be adopted by the 193 UN member states on September 22, 2023, could provide fresh momentum for reform. The Pact highlights Africa’s role as a special issue, though no clear timeline for implementing the changes has been set.
As African nations continue to rally support from their international partners, another critical challenge remains: deciding which African states would occupy these seats. Given the continent’s diversity and regional dynamics, this selection process could fuel internal competition.
