United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has described Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council as “unjust and indefensible”.

Guterres spoke on Wednesday as world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

“Africa still has no permanent seat on the Security Council,” he said.

“A 21st century Security Council without permanent African representation is unjust & indefensible.

“We must reform the Council so that it reflects today’s world with the legitimacy and effectiveness that today’s challenges demand.”

The Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and has 15 members, comprising five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The permanent members have veto power, allowing any one of them to block the adoption of a substantive resolution by voting against it, even when the measure has secured the required majority.

The influence of the veto was demonstrated in June 2025 when the United States blocked a Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The resolution received 14 votes in favour, including support from all 10 elected members, but failed after the US cast the only vote against it.

Africa’s Demand for Permanent Representation

The African Union has for years called for reform of the Security Council, arguing that the continent is under-represented in a body whose decisions have significant implications for global peace and security, including conflicts in Africa.

The AU is demanding at least two permanent seats on the Security Council, with full privileges including veto power if the veto is retained, as well as five non-permanent seats.

Guterres has repeatedly backed reforms of global institutions to reflect present-day geopolitical realities.

In February, he told African leaders that the absence of permanent African seats on the council was “indefensible”, arguing that the UN system should reflect today’s realities rather than those of 1945.

Guterres is in his final year as UN secretary-general. He became secretary-general in January 2017 and began his second five-year term in January 2022.

The Portuguese is due to leave office on December 31, 2026, while the UN has already begun the process of selecting his successor. (Arise News)