UNSC Reform: Time is Ripe for Permanent Membership for Africa with Full Veto Powers
A Defence and International Political Analyst, Mr Andrews Maxford, has joined calls for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), insisting that the time has come for Africa to be represented, and for proportional representation of the UNSC, with full veto Powers to newly inducted nations.
This follows announcement by the US at this year’s 79th Session of the UNGA to support reform of the UNSC to enable Africa have two (2) Permanent Seats on the UNSC, without veto powers.
However, according to Mr Maxford, “What Africa needs is full and proportional representation on the UNSC with full veto powers. This is essential to correct some of the past wrongs that occured in the Region with conflicts such as those in Libya, Somalia, Liberia, Rwanda, and DR Congo, among others. It is sad to note that despite being made up of some 1.4 billion persons out of the world’s 8 billion population, as well as the Ezulwini Consensus, this debate remains unsettled”, he said.
He added that “This argument and efforts at UNSC must be looked at comprehensively, not just in terms of Africa alone, but for nations such as India, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Singapore, who despite their populations have consistently proven to be leading economies of the world, and contributed significantly to global peace and security in the post-World War II era, having proven themselves worthy candidates for Permanent Membership of the UNSC.”
The theme for the 79th Session of the UNGA is: “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations.”
The failure of the UNSC to effectively prevent, protect, or manage conflicts in recent years has raised various concerns, and called into question the role and effectiveness of the UNSC in preventing and maintaining global peace and security at this year’s UN General Assembly (UNGA).
