‘I will work to ensure that Africa gets 2 permanent seats in the UN security council’ – Raila

Raila Odinga has reaffirmed his commitment to champion Africa’s representation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking during the Mjadala Afrika debate at the African Union Headquarters on Friday, December 13, 2024, Raila vowed to push for two permanent seats for Africa in the powerful UN body if elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC).

The advocate for pan-Africanism is one of four candidates vying for the prestigious AUC Chairperson role. His rivals include Mahmoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, and Anil Gayan of Mauritius.

Addressing the debate, Raila argued that the current composition of the UNSC is outdated and fails to reflect the realities of today’s world.

He pointed out that the UN was established when most African countries were under colonial rule, leaving the continent without adequate representation in global decision-making.

“This is a long overdue issue. As you know, the UN was formed when most parts of Africa were colonies. That is why the UN does not deal with the realities of the world today. You get five countries sitting in a Security Council with veto power, and Africa is not represented—a continent with over 1.4 billion people,” Raila presented.

The former prime minister noted that Africa, with its 55 sovereign nations, cannot continue to be excluded when Europe alone has three permanent seats.

“We shall insist that Africa must get two permanent seats in the UN Security Council. Permanent representation with veto powers—Africa must get. And this, I’m going to insist on when I’m elected Chairman of the AU. I will work together with all the leadership of the continent to ensure Africa gets fair treatment on the international scene,” he declared.

Reforms

Raila’s remarks come amid growing demands from African leaders for reforms to the UNSC. During the UN General Assembly in September 2024, African heads of state collectively criticized the current structure of the council as unjust and outdated.

Kenya’s President William Ruto, in his address at the assembly, called for urgent changes to make the UN more representative and inclusive.

“The council is dysfunctional, undemocratic, non-inclusive, unaccountable, autocratic, and opaque,” President Ruto said.

Adding;

“An institution that excludes 54 African countries, representing 1.4 billion people, while allowing one nation to veto decisions of the remaining 193 Member States, is unacceptable. We must urgently seek to make the Security Council truly representative, inclusive, transparent, effective, and accountable.”