UN Security Council reform proposal gains momentum internationally
February 15, 2026 • Al Jazeera
UN Secretary-General Calls for Permanent Seats for African Nations on Security Council
The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed concern over the lack of permanent seats for African nations on the UN Security Council. In a meeting with the African Union, the head of the world body stated that this absence is “indefensible”.
African countries are not alone in lacking permanent representation on the council. Latin American and many Asian countries also do not have a permanent presence, despite having significant populations.
The issue has sparked debate about the potential for reform within the UN. The question remains whether changes can be made to address this imbalance.
Experts weigh in on the matter. Olukayode Bakare, a visiting scholar at the University of Colorado Denver, notes that African nations have been advocating for permanent seats for some time. Mukesh Kapila, former humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, highlights the importance of representation in international decision-making processes.
Tim Murithi, senior adviser at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, emphasizes the need for reform to ensure greater representation and inclusivity within the UN. The possibility of reform is being explored, but it remains to be seen whether changes can be implemented effectively.
Source: Al Jazeera