Can the UN Security Council be reformed? | United Nations
UN Secretary-General Calls for Africa’s Permanent Seats on Security Council
Published: Feb. 15, 2026
The Secretary-General of the United Nations emphasized the need for African nations to hold permanent seats on the UN Security Council, labeling the current exclusion as “indefensible.”
In remarks delivered to the African Union, the Secretary-General underscored that while Africa seeks representation, Latin American and most Asian countries also lack permanent positions despite their substantial populations.
This issue raises significant questions about the potential for reform within the UN structure.
The discussion on UN reform included insights from several experts:
- Olukayode Bakare, a visiting scholar in international relations and African politics at the University of Colorado Denver.
- Mukesh Kapila, former UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan.
- Tim Murithi, senior adviser at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.
The dialogue highlights ongoing concerns regarding equitable representation within a body that plays a central role in global governance.
