By Charles Muchoki | Africa Guardian
The United States has proposed adding two permanent seats for African countries on the UN Security Council, marking a significant step in its efforts to strengthen ties with Africa and Pacific Island nations, which are increasingly important in global geopolitics.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is expected to officially announce the proposal today at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, according to Reuters. This initiative also aligns with the US’s strategy to counter China’s expanding influence in the Pacific, where many island nations hold strategic importance.
The proposal responds to long-standing demands from developing countries for more representation on the UN’s most powerful diplomatic body. In addition to the two permanent African seats, it also suggests creating a rotating seat for small island states, acknowledging their unique vulnerabilities and strategic importance in global affairs. Despite advocating for an expansion, the US remains opposed to granting veto powers to any new members.
Thomas-Greenfield aims for this announcement to “advance the agenda in a way that could lead to Security Council reform in the future,” framing the initiative as a potential legacy for US President Joe Biden.
The UN Security Council, which is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, currently has 15 members. This includes five permanent members—Russia, China, the US, the UK, and France—who hold veto power. Calls for reform have persisted for years, with many nations arguing that the current structure no longer reflects today’s global realities, but past attempts have not led to significant changes.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has openly supported reform, stating, “The Security Council reflects the post-World War II situation… it faces issues of legitimacy and effectiveness and needs reform,” he told Reuters on Wednesday.
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