PRESIDENT Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea underscored the pressing need for African countries to maintain a unified front in their persistent demand for permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. Addressing the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) summit in Equatorial Guinea, Nguema highlighted the prolonged quest for representation that Africa has pursued since 2005, lamenting the lack of substantial progress in achieving this legitimate aspiration.
Speaking at the summit in La Paz, attended by heads of state, government representatives, and delegates from UN and African Union agencies, President Nguema stressed the necessity for coordinated action by the African continent. He emphasised rectifying the historical injustice faced by Africa, being the sole continent without representation in the UN Security Council.
‘It is imperative for all African states to remain vigilant, speaking in unison to prevent other regions from exploiting Africa’s vulnerability. We must thwart attempts by other countries to form alliances to further their interests in securing permanent UN Security Council membership,’ Nguema asserted.
The president called for expeditious reforms within the Security Council, advocating for broader African representation to ensure fairness and balance.
Established in 2005, the African Union C-10 serves the critical role of presenting and advocating the collective African position on Security Council reform. However, despite the efforts, substantial progress remains elusive.
The UN General Assembly initiated discussions on Security Council reforms during its 63rd session in 2009. The council currently comprises five permanent members – the US, UK, France, China, and Russia – with rotating non-permanent member positions. Presently, Mozambique, Gabon, and Ghana represent Africa in the non-permanent seats.
Encouraging persistence, Nguema urged his counterparts to continue their unwavering efforts until Africa’s rightful place in the Security Council is secured.
He stated, ‘This summit must adopt a new strategy to propel our agenda forward. Africa aims for equitable representation, both in permanent and non-permanent seats.’
The summit aimed to solidify Africa’s collective stance in the pursuit of two permanent Security Council seats, inclusive of veto rights, and an additional two non-permanent seats.
