Africa’s Quest for a Permanent Seat at the Global Table

Africa’s Quest for a Permanent Seat at the Global Table

As global power structures evolve, Africa is demanding a louder voice in international governance. The continent, home to 1.4 billion people and some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, remains excluded from the United Nations Security Council’s permanent membership — a legacy of a post–World slot777 link alternatif War II order that many argue no longer reflects global realities.

Leaders across the African Union (AU) have renewed calls for reform, particularly as geopolitical rivalries between the U.S., China, and Russia reshape the world order. At the 2025 AU Summit in Addis Ababa, heads of state emphasized the “urgent need” for Africa to gain permanent representation in key decision-making bodies, including the G20 and UN Security Council.

Currently, Africa holds three non-permanent rotating seats in the Security Council but lacks veto power. Critics say this marginalizes the continent in matters directly affecting it — from peacekeeping missions to sanctions and climate funding. “Decisions about Africa are often made without Africa,” said Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, echoing a sentiment widely shared across the region.

Western powers express rhetorical support for reform but remain vague about implementation. The U.S. and France endorse “greater African representation,” while China and Russia use the issue to build influence, promising support through South-South solidarity. Yet no country appears willing to compromise its own power.

The debate underscores a broader shift: the Global South’s demand for equity in institutions long dominated by Western interests. Africa’s economic potential, coupled with its strategic resources, makes its inclusion not just a moral argument but a pragmatic one. Until global governance reflects the 21st-century balance of power, experts warn, multilateralism will remain fragile — and legitimacy elusive.

By john

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