‘…This assembly made a historic pledge during the World Summit held in 2005: A pledge ‘to strengthen the United Nations with a view to enhancing its authority and efficiency,as well as its capacity to address effectively and in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter,the full range of challenges of our time.’
A number of gains have been made, including the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council, and the adoption of the resolution on Responsibility to protect.These gains are laudable, but the need for reform is urgent and imperative. We should now endeavor to demonstrate the political will to particularly redress the historical injustice done to the African continent.
The present geopolitical realities are compelling for a comprehensive reform of the Security Council to make way for equitable representation in all Organs of the United Nations.
Africa is the only region without representation in the permanent category of the Security Council.Africa is also under-represented in the Non-permanent category. Africa’s demand for two permanent seats, with all the rights and prerogatives of current members, including the right of veto, and two additional Non-permanent seats, is a matter of common justice, and the right to have an equal say in decision-making on issues that affect the African region.It is time that we addressed this longstanding injustice and imbalance perpetuated in the present configuration of the Security Council without any further delay. Africa is committed to on-going reforms that will make the United Nations fit for purpose.
As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the reform of the United Nations, we reiterate our concern over the continuous inaction of this body to adopt measures that will lead to Africa taking its rightful place in the Security Council. Unless we are able to contend with the reform of the Security Council –the most critical question of the day-our organization will be seemingly constituted on undemocratic and discriminatory principles.
Let me reiterate the urgent need for comprehensive reform of the Security Council.1.2 billion of the world’s population of 7.5 billions are African.1.2 billionof the world’s population continues to contribute its fair share to maintaining world peace and security.About 70% of the decisions made at the United Nations Security Council ultimately affect those 1.2 billion Africans.Those 1.2 billion Africans are affected by over 70 % of United Nations resolutions.1.2 billion of the world’s population therefore asks why it should be excluded from representation on the United Nations Security Council.Those 1.2 billion people simply want their voices to be fully represented on the United Nations Security Council.’