New York, USA – President William Ruto has urged African leaders to unite in championing urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), insisting that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership is “unacceptable and indefensible.”
Speaking during the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UN Security Council, convened by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Ruto said the time had come for Africa to demand justice and equal representation at the UN’s highest decision-making body.
“Africa remains the only continent without permanent representation on the Security Council, despite carrying a disproportionate share of its agenda and contributing significantly to UN peacekeeping. This historic injustice must end—the time to act is now,” he said.
The President reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Common African Position, underlining the need for the continent to amplify its voice at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels. He called on leaders to unite in defending Africa’s interests and to prepare to shoulder the responsibilities that come with permanent membership.
“This is a delicate and complex undertaking, but also an opportunity to demonstrate Africa’s maturity, cohesion, and vision for an effective international order,” President Ruto stated.
C-10 chair President Bio echoed the call, insisting Africa’s inclusion in the UNSC was “inevitable, legitimate, and non-negotiable.”
“The time for action is now. Our demand is just. No reform can succeed without a united Africa,” he said.
Angola’s President and current African Union chair João Lourenço noted that African issues dominate the UN agenda, yet the continent lacks a permanent seat—a contradiction that undermines the UN’s founding vision of justice and equality.
Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged current UNSC members to support Africa’s demand and “stand on the right side of history.”
Meanwhile, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized that without Africa’s representation, the Security Council perpetuates an imbalance that is no longer acceptable.
“Africa will no longer wait on the margins of history,” he declared.
The leaders agreed that the credibility of the UN would be judged by whether it delivers fairness and justice for Africa. President Ruto reiterated that Kenya is ready to work with fellow C-10 members, the AU, and the broader UN membership to ensure Africa’s voice is no longer sidelined.
About The Author
