ELS: MBN360 POLITICS
President John Dramani Mahama has renewed calls for Africa to be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the continent’s exclusion from the council’s permanent membership reflects longstanding inequalities in global governance.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, President Mahama said meaningful reform of the international system must address historical injustices embedded in existing global power structures.
He said Africa’s demographic and political significance could no longer be overlooked in discussions about the composition and reform of the UN Security Council.
President Mahama noted that Africa is home to about 1.5 billion people and constitutes the largest regional voting bloc in the UN General Assembly.
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He therefore argued that the continent’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council was inconsistent with the realities of the 21st century.
“The injustices of the past remain embedded in today’s power structures. Africa is home to 1.5 billion people. Over 18% of humanity and constitutes the largest regional voting bloc in this General Assembly and yet Africa remains without a single permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
“This is fundamentally unacceptable in the 21st century. Africa must be granted permanent representation on the UN Security Council, complete with all the rights and responsibilities.”
Africa’s broader position in the ongoing UN reform process calls for at least two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats on an expanded Security Council, with full privileges of permanent membership, including veto rights if the veto is retained.
