Africa’s push for permanent seats on the UN Security Council has received a boost from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This comes as more than 20 African heads of state visit Moscow for the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit held from 28 to 29 October.
Putin said Russia was ‘’doing everything’’ it could to strengthen Africa’s role globally and ensure ‘’more equitable representation’’ on the Security Council and in international financial institutions.
He spoke at a news conference with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye on the sidelines of the summit, where trade and security were also discussed.
P5 differ on Africa’s potential seats
The Russian leader condemned what he called the ‘neo-colonial’ posture of Western countries in Africa despite the rapidly changing global landscape.
Burundi’s President Ndayishimiye, who is the current Chairperson of the African Union, thanked Putin for backing permanent African representation on the Council, saying it would help ensure ‘’a more just and democratic multilateral world order’’.
Africa is demanding permanent seats with veto power equal to that enjoyed since 1945 by the five current permanent members – the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, France and China.
All five have publicly backed permanent seats for Africa, but differ on the terms.
France supports seats with veto power, the US and UK support seats without veto, while Russia and China support permanent seats but remain silent on granting veto power.
Why veto power maters
The African Union’s position is clear – two permanent seats with veto power, as contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration of 2005.
However, UN reform efforts remain at the level of statements. No real progress has been made and no draft resolution has been presented.
Under the UN Charter, reform requires an amendment under Articles 108 and 109, adopted by two-thirds of the General Assembly and ratified by two-thirds of Member States, including all five permanent members. It has never happened since the UN’s establishment in 1945.
According to analysts, this is extremely difficult due to deep rivalry among permanent members and unwillingness to share veto power with new permanent members.
The veto is crucial. Any permanent member can reject a resolution it deems unfavourable, rendering it void even if all other members support it.
