President William Ruto has made a powerful appeal to African leaders to unite in advocating for long-overdue reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership is both “unacceptable and indefensible.”
Speaking during the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UN Security Council, President Ruto underscored the urgency of a united African front in the global call for fair representation.
Africa’s Voice Must Be Heard
President Ruto called on African leaders to amplify Africa’s voice across all platforms — bilateral, regional, and multilateral and to remain united in defending the Common African Position on UNSC reform.
Africa carries a disproportionate share of the Security Council’s agenda and is among the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. Yet we remain the only continent without permanent representation. This historic injustice must end and the time to act is now
President RutoThe 7th C-10 Summit: A United Front
The C-10 Summit was convened by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Also present were:
- President João Lourenço of Angola and Chair of the African Union (AU)
- Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of Namibia
- Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission
These leaders echoed President Ruto’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for Africa to be at the center of global decision-making processes.
A Call to Action for African Leaders
President Ruto noted that the UN’s credibility depends on its ability to address long-standing inequalities, particularly Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the Security Council. He also urged African leaders to begin preparing for the responsibilities that come with permanent membership including transparent and united decision-making on who would represent the continent.
This is a delicate and complex undertaking, but also an opportunity to show Africa’s maturity, cohesion, and vision for an effective international order
President Ruto Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s strong commitment to the Common African Position and expressed readiness to collaborate with C-10 members, the African Union, and the wider UN membership to push for reforms.
Unified Voices from Across the Continent
President Julius Maada Bio, Chair of the C-10, called Africa’s demand for inclusion “legitimate, non-negotiable, and just.” As he emphasized that no reform can succeed without a united Africa.
President João Lourenço pointed out the irony in the UN’s founding principles of justice, while Africa continues to be sidelined.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf further stated that without Africa’s inclusion, the UNSC continues to “perpetuate an imbalance that is no longer acceptable.”
Meanwhile, President Nandi-Ndaitwah called on current UNSC members to support Africa’s call, urging them to “be on the right side of history.”
Conclusion
The unified call by African leaders at the C-10 Summit sends a clear message to the global community: Africa demands its rightful place at the decision-making table of the United Nations.
As the world navigates increasingly complex global challenges, a reformed Security Council that includes permanent African representation is not only fair it is essential for a more just and inclusive international order
