Kenyan President Ruto Raises Africa’s Representation in UN Security Council — Nation Kenya

Kenyan President William Ruto, speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, raised the issue of Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the Security Council. As Nation Kenya writes, he drew attention to inequality in the global governance system and the need for reforms.

Africa’s representation

Africa has 54 UN member states and a population of more than 1.4 billion people, yet it has no permanent seat or veto power on the Security Council. The continent currently holds three rotating non-permanent seats on the body.

China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States remain permanent members of the Security Council with veto power. The editorial notes that structural changes in the governance system and the international financial system are needed for fairer representation of Africa.

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Debt and access to financing

Nation Kenya also points to the problem of rising debt burdens and financial inequality. According to data cited by the publication, 46 developing countries spend more on servicing interest on public debt than on healthcare and education.

In the editorial board’s view, more accessible long-term development financing could be a response. The publication also emphasizes the importance of Africa’s more active participation in technological partnerships so that the continent can influence the shaping of the digital economy.

Discussions on Security Council reform have continued for decades. In 2008, the UN General Assembly moved reform discussions to the format of intergovernmental negotiations, but, as Nation Kenya notes, 17 years later the process is still incomplete.