UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged for Africa to be granted a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council to address historical injustices. Guterres highlighted that the current structure of the Security Council, which includes five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US—reflects a world order established after World War II, a time when much of Africa was still under colonial rule.

The African Union has long advocated for two permanent seats on the Council, reflecting the continent's growing influence and population, which now constitutes 28% of the UN’s total. Guterres emphasized that Africa's exclusion from the Council undermines the legitimacy of global decision-making bodies.

He noted that Africa is disproportionately affected by global crises, contributing nearly half of all UN peacekeepers, yet remains underrepresented in key international institutions like the Security Council and the International Monetary Fund.

Guterres argued that reforming the Council is not only a matter of justice but also essential for ensuring that global decisions are more widely accepted and beneficial to both Africa and the world. He stressed the importance of the UN evolving to reflect the realities of the 21st century, warning that without reform, the organization risks losing its relevance and effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security.