South Africa Renews Push for UN Security Council Reform
Pretoria calls for permanent African seats and veto rights, arguing current structure excludes the Global South.
South Africa has intensified its campaign for sweeping reform of the United Nations Security Council, insisting that the body’s current structure is outdated and unjust to Africa and other developing regions.
President Cyril Ramaphosa told world leaders at the UN General Assembly that Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership is a “historical injustice” that undermines the council’s credibility.
“The Security Council no longer reflects today’s global realities. It must be representative, democratic, and inclusive,” he said.
Pretoria is backing the Common African Position (CAP), which demands at least two permanent seats and five additional non-permanent seats for Africa. Crucially, South Africa argues that any new permanent members must also be granted veto powers or that the veto be abolished entirely.
“The veto cannot remain the preserve of a few countries,” a South African foreign ministry statement read. “If it cannot be removed, it should be extended to all permanent members equally.”
The reform push has gained some traction, with the European Union recently confirming it shares South Africa’s view that the Security Council must become more inclusive.
But the proposal faces hurdles, as changes to the council require broad agreement, including approval from the current five permanent members (the U.S., U.K., Russia, China, and France), many of whom are reluctant to dilute their influence.
Analysts say Pretoria’s leadership on the issue reflects Africa’s growing demand for a stronger voice in global governance, especially as the continent grapples with conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel.
South Africa plans to use its influence at the upcoming 80th session of the UN General Assembly to rally further support, framing the reform as essential for global peace, security, and fairness in the international order.
Source: Prensa Latina
