Africa is seeking permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, as the African Union continues efforts to reform the body responsible for major decisions on international peace and security.
Africa currently has no permanent seat on the 15-member council.
The African Union established the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government, known as the C-10, to push for two permanent seats for the continent.
Ambassador Salah S. Hammad, head of the Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture Secretariat at the African Union Commission, said the absence of permanent African representation had gone on for too long.
“Africa has been neglected and ignored,” Hammad said in an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency.
He said the time had come for Africa to claim its place on the Security Council.
The African Union Commission is supporting the C-10 through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security as the committee works to advance the continent’s position on Security Council reform.
The C-10’s main objective is to promote Africa’s demand for two permanent seats on the council.
The Security Council has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 nonpermanent members elected for two-year terms.
The five permanent members have veto power over council decisions.
Hammad said the AUC would continue supporting the C-10 in its efforts to advance Africa’s demand for permanent representation.
The campaign is part of the African Union’s broader push for reform of the Security Council and greater representation for the continent.
Africa’s demand for permanent seats has been under discussion for years as the United Nations considers proposals to reform the council.
Hammad said the AUC would continue working with the C-10 to advance the African position on the issue.
