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The United States has proposed that Africa should have two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.
The move is part of a broader effort by the U.S. to strengthen ties with Africa and Pacific Island nations, both of which are seen as increasingly crucial in global geopolitical dynamics.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will formally announce the proposal on Thursday (today) at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
The plan also comes as the U.S. seeks to counter China’s growing influence in the Pacific region, where many island nations play a key strategic role.
The proposal includes two permanent African seats, in response to long-standing calls from developing nations for greater representation on the world’s most powerful diplomatic body.
It also introduced a rotating seat for small island states, addressing their unique vulnerabilities and importance in global affairs.
Despite the push for expansion, Washington remains firm in its opposition to extending veto powers to new members.
Reuters reports that Thomas-Greenfield hopes the announcement will “advance the agenda in a way that could lead to Security Council reform in the future,” framing it as part of U.S. President Joe Biden’s legacy.
The Security Council, responsible for maintaining international peace and security, currently consists of 15 members, including five permanent members —Russia, China, the U.S., Britain, and France—who hold veto power.
Calls for reform have persisted for years, with many nations arguing that the Council no longer reflects the realities of the modern world. However, previous efforts have failed to yield substantial change.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has been vocal in his support for 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.
Reuters
