United Nations (UN) Secretary General António Guterres has promised to ensure that Africa gets two permanent representation in the UN security council. 

Speaking during the African Union (AU) 38th ordinary session held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Saturday, February 15, 2025, Guterres argued that it was unfair that Africa lacked representation in the UN security council in the 21st century.

He consequently assured that he will push for two permanent seats for Africa in the powerful council to ensure the continent gets adequate representation in global decision-making. 

“There’s no excuse that Africa still lacks permanent representation (in the UN Security Council) in the 21st century. I will keep working with the AU and all members states to ensure representation African needs and the justice you deserve including two permanent members in the security council,” he said. 

Calls for representation

The UN secretary general’s remarks align with AUC candidate Raila Odinga’s calls for positions in the UN security council. 

Raila, while laying out his manifesto for Africa during the Mjadala Africa debate in December last year, asserted that the current composition of the UN security council was outdated and failed to reflect the realities of today’s world.

The former prime minister argued that the United Nations was established when several African countries were still under colonial rule. 

“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 said.

“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 added.