Into Africa Africa’s bid for two permanent UNSC seats (with Amb. Martin Kimani)
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Dec 19, 2024 
Join Ambassador Martin Kimani, Executive Director at NYU’s Center on International Cooperation and former UN representative for Kenya, as he explores Africa's quest for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council. Kimani discusses the hurdles of Africa's representation, the potential for infighting among candidates, and the need for visionary leadership. He also highlights crucial reforms for the African Union, the continent’s demographic potential, and the increasing relevance of Africa in global power dynamics.
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Importance of UNSC Seats for Africa
- Africa lacks permanent UN Security Council representation, reflecting its colonial past.
- Gaining permanent seats with veto power would empower Africa's peace and security architecture.
US Support for UNSC Seats
- The US backing two permanent UNSC seats for Africa is significant but not decisive.
- Reforming the UNSC requires broader global consensus, not just US approval.
Procedure for UNSC Reform
- Reforming the UNSC requires agreement from all P5 members, a two-thirds General Assembly majority, and ratification by two-thirds of UN member states.
- Article 109 allows a general conference to review the charter, potentially changing the UN's operational structure.