Ruto Pushes for Africa’s Permanent Seat at UN Security Council

President William Ruto has renewed calls for Africa to be granted permanent representation at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), terming the continent’s exclusion “unacceptable and indefensible.”

Speaking during the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UNSC Reform, convened by Sierra Leone on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Ruto said Africa must unite behind the Common African Position to ensure its voice is no longer sidelined in global decision-making.

“Africa’s exclusion from the United Nations Security Council is unacceptable and indefensible. We must correct this historic injustice to make the UN fit for purpose,” Ruto stated.

He stressed that African leaders must not only demand fair representation but also be prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of permanent membership. This, he said, includes agreeing on how the continent will select its representatives once the reforms are actualized.

Kenya, Ruto affirmed, will fully back efforts to amplify Africa’s voice across all platforms, noting that unity and consistency are key to securing the continent’s rightful place at the UN’s top decision-making organ.