Africa Permanent UNSC Seats: UNGA 2026 Now

Leaders in Africa are seeking permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, with President William Ruto of Kenya and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at UNGA 81, seeking reforms of a system which grants permanent membership to only five nations despite Africa being home to 54 UN member countries.

The matter has now become an important one in Africa’s agenda at UNGA 81, which opened on September 8, 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also supporting the move, considering the permanent exclusion of Africa from the UN Security Council to be unjust and indefensible.

What Is Africa Demanding from the UN?

According to Nigeria’s position, presented by Shettima on behalf of Tinubu on September 24, Africa needs at least two permanent seats with the same rights and obligations as other permanent members of the Security Council, including the veto right, as long as there is a veto system in place. Nigeria further demanded five non-permanent seats for Africa.

These demands align quite well with the official position of the African Union expressed in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. The model of Security Council reform put forward in the United Nations negotiations also provides for at least two permanent African seats and five non-permanent seats, where African representatives are chosen by the AU.

What Did Ruto Say?

Speaking separately, Ruto stated that Africa’s absence in permanent membership does not reflect Africa’s status in international affairs. Ruto pointed out that Africa has 54 countries in the UN, with more than a quarter of the General Assembly, but without any permanent seat in the institution that deals with international peace and security.

He further referred to the history of the Council, which was established after World War II at a time when most African nations were under colonial domination. This, according to him, is because the organization has failed to adequately respond to the new geopolitical realities that have emerged since then.

How does the Security Council Operate Today?

The Security Council is comprised of 15 members: five permanent members –China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States– and ten non-permanent members appointed by the General Assembly for a period of two years. All the permanent members of the Security Council can veto a resolution.

Currently, Africa is participating in the council as non-permanent members while Africa lacks a permanent seat. Thus, the AU’s proposal will definitely enhance Africa’s participation in both areas.

Why is Reforming the Security Council Hard?

Any modification in the structure of the council requires international consensus and a revision of the charter of the UN. One of the major challenges in reforming the Security Council is the veto power.

Also, there is another dilemma on the African continent regarding which countries will occupy those new seats. According to the AU approach, the African continent is supposed to choose its candidates for an election to the General Assembly.

What Comes Next?

The campaign on behalf of Africa will continue during the negotiations on Security Council reform at the UN. Guterres supports a more representative Security Council, while African countries will likely continue their efforts for the Ezulwini Consensus to become the foundation of any expansion.

For the time being, nothing has changed in the UN Security Council. The key diplomatic issue is to develop a formula for a reform that will meet the demands of the Africans for permanent representation.