Addis Ababa, March 7, 2026 (ENA)—The Ethiopian Defense Forces Museum stands as the living archive of heroism and a proud testament to the nation’s greatness, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said. Following his visit to the Ethiopian Defense Forces Museum, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen noted that Ethiopia’s enduring strength, tempered through centuries of trials—rests firmly on the unbreakable valor and sacrifice of our armed forces. “During our visit to the Ethiopian Defense Forces Museum in the Janmeda area, we encountered vivid and powerful expressions of this epic journey of courage across generations.” First envisioned in the 1950s but long delayed by political circumstances, this historic institution has finally come to fruition under the leadership of the reform-oriented administration that ushered in a new chapter of national renewal, he stated. Now established as a permanent museum, it serves as the foundation for the future Grand National Defense Forces Museum, he affirmed. From rare pre-Adwa weaponry and imperial-era armor to modern military artifacts, the museum’s collections eloquently narrate the heroic legacy of Ethiopia’s defenders, he elaborated. “It traces the evolution of our national defense institutions since 1900 E.C, the steady transformation of military technology, and the remarkable engineering progress that has shaped today’s defense capabilities.” Accordingly, more than a repository of artifacts, this center equips members of the armed forces and future generations alike with history, knowledge, and inspiration. DPM Temesgen further underscored that the Ethiopian Defense Forces are a source of national pride—a peacekeeping force whose name commands respect far beyond our borders. Recognizing that the heroic deeds defining our nation’s glory must be preserved and shared in a modern and accessible manner, the government will continue to provide the necessary support to advance these vital efforts, he asserted. “Ethiopia remembers. Ethiopia honors. Ethiopia builds upon its heroic legacy—stronger together and forever vigilant.”

Addis Ababa, March 7, 2026 (ENA)—The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has officially begun nationwide voter registration for Ethiopia’s upcoming 7th General Election, marking a decisive step in the country’s electoral calendar. During a press briefing, NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu announced that all logistical and administrative preparations have been finalized, allowing voter registration to begin as scheduled on March 7, 2026. The registration process will run for one month and will be conducted through both digital and manual systems. According to the Board, 47 political parties have so far registered 10,934 candidates to compete in the election. Of these, 2,198 candidates are contesting seats in the House of People’s Representatives, while 8,736 candidates are running for positions in various Regional Councils. In addition, 73 independent candidates have registered for the race, including 69 men and four women. As Ethiopia prepares for its seventh general election, the country stands at an important political moment reflecting the ongoing evolution of its democratic process. The upcoming vote represents more than a routine constitutional exercise; it is widely regarded as a key milestone in efforts to strengthen democratic governance and build public confidence in political institutions. Scheduled for June 1, 2026, the election comes at a time when expectations for credible and transparent democratic practices are increasing. With electoral institutions strengthening their independence and operational capacity, the vote is expected to serve as an important measure of Ethiopia’s democratic progress and the resilience of its governance structures. Political leaders, analysts, and electoral authorities have emphasized that this election carries particular significance as it is being conducted within a more robust institutional framework compared to previous electoral cycles. The government has also repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring an environment conducive to free, fair, and credible elections. Meanwhile, political parties have intensified their activities by engaging in debates and presenting their manifestos to voters as the campaign period gains momentum. A key step in the electoral process is the ongoing voter registration taking place at polling stations across the country. Field observations conducted by the Ethiopian News Agency in Addis Ketema and Gullele sub-cities of Addis Ababa indicate that essential voter registration materials have already been distributed to electoral wards and polling stations. The agency also reported that an increasing number of citizens have begun registering. Citizens are able to register digitally by downloading the “Mirchaye” (My Election) application from the Play Store or App Store. For in-person registration, the Board has distributed tablets to election officials at polling stations to facilitate the process. Digital registration will be prioritized in areas with 3G or higher internet coverage, a system being implemented in coordination with Ethio Telecom. Regarding candidate statistics, the Chairperson stated that out of the 10,934 total candidates, 2,198 are running for seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives, while 8,736 candidates are contesting positions in Regional Councils. The lists of candidates will be publicly displayed at their respective polling stations. In addition, 73 independent candidates have registered to participate in the election, including 69 men and four women. As part of pre-election preparations, the Board has also unveiled the official symbols of competing political parties and confirmed that all parties have signed the Candidates’ Code of Ethics and Conduct, aimed at promoting responsible campaigning and ensuring electoral integrity throughout the election period.

Addis Ababa, March 7, 2026 (ENA)—Even if Africa's claim for its rightful place at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) looks impossible like the Victory of Adwa, this legitimate demand will be fulfilled, Ghanaian Ambassador Robert Afriyie said. The Ambassador elaborated that Africa’s position has remained the same. But we recognize the negotiating process and it shows how difficult it is. But we have always maintained as Africa the fact that something is difficult does not mean impossible. He added: "At Adwa, Ethiopia had to stand up and fight. It may have been difficult but not impossible. What we are asking for is legitimate. So, though the process may be long, we are committed to ensuring that Africa takes its rightful place among the committee of nations." Ambassador Afriyie told ENA that Africa's pursuit for permanent representation at the UNSC has deep historical roots. Only a handful of African nations, including Ethiopia, Morocco, and Liberia, were present at the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, while many others did not exist as independent states, he recalled. During a 1963 push for UN expansion, however, there was a strong call for African representation, though significant changes occurred slowly. Despite the passage of 60 years since the last Security Council reform, the Ambassador noted that Africa remains the only major region without a permanent seat. “With Africa contributing to approximately 60 percent of the UNSC's work, it is unjust that it lacks permanent representation in decisions impacting global peace and security," Ambassador Afriyie underscored. Highlighting the ongoing efforts for reform, he cited the significant milestones since the late 1970s, including the establishment of an open-ended working group in 1993 to address UNSC reforms. In 2005, the African Union set forth a common position advocating for two additional non-permanent seats and two permanent seats with veto power, asserting that without this Africa would be relegated to a second-tier status, the Ambassador stated. Reflecting on the challenges involved, he said the lengthy negotiation process demonstrates Africa’s commitment to secure its rightful place at the Security Council. Ambassador Afriyie, who drew parallels to Ethiopia's resilience during the Battle of Adwa, emphasized that Africa is committed to ensuring its rightful place among the committee of nations. Furthermore, the Ambassador underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in global governance by quoting the Ghanaian proverb: "One head does not contain all the wisdom in the world". According to him, Africa could play a role in shaping effective solutions to global issues, particularly concerning peace and security. Despite the complexities of garnering consensus among the 193 UN member states, Ambassador Afriyie noted growing international support for Africa's position. Countries including France have publicly endorsed Africa's push for permanent representation at UNSC, reflecting a significant shift in global perspectives. Moreover, Ambassador Afriyie underlined that Africa's united front over the past two decades demonstrates its resolve, insisting that the demand for permanent representation at the UNSC is legitimate and crucial for the generation to come.

By staff writer Addis Ababa, March 6, 2026 (ENA)—As Ethiopia prepares for its seventh General Election, the country finds itself at a significant political juncture that reflects the steady evolution of its democratic journey. The upcoming vote represents far more than a routine constitutional exercise; it is a critical milestone in the nation’s efforts to consolidate democratic governance and strengthen public confidence in its political institutions. Over the past decades, Ethiopia has gradually laid the foundations for representative governance by expanding political participation and building a more structured electoral environment for political actors and citizens alike. These developments reflect the country’s broader efforts to deepen democratic practices while strengthening institutions responsible for administering elections and protecting citizens’ rights. In recent years, Ethiopia has undertaken notable reforms aimed at reinforcing key democratic institutions. Among the most important have been reforms within the National Election Board of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, both of which play a vital role in safeguarding electoral integrity and protecting fundamental rights. Equally significant has been the expansion of civic space. The country has taken a decisive step in allowing and strengthening civil society organizations, an important development that had not been witnessed for decades. These reforms have been widely regarded as essential measures for building a more transparent, accountable, and credible democratic system. Scheduled for June 1, 2026, the seventh General Election arrives at a time when public expectations for credible democratic practices are higher than ever. With electoral institutions gaining greater independence and operational capacity, the upcoming vote is expected to serve as an important indicator of Ethiopia’s democratic maturity and the resilience of its governance structures. Political leaders, analysts, and electoral authorities emphasize that this election carries particular significance because it is being conducted within a more strengthened institutional framework compared to previous electoral cycles. The government has repeatedly reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for free, fair, and credible elections. In this regard, political parties have begun engaging in debates and presenting their manifestos to voters as the electoral campaign gains momentum. A key milestone in the election process will take place with the start of voter registration tomorrow, on March 6, 2026, across polling stations throughout the country. Field observations conducted by the Ethiopian News Agency in Addis Ketema and Gullele sub-cities of Addis Ababa indicate that essential voter registration materials are already being distributed to electoral wards and polling stations. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has consistently emphasized the importance of credible elections in strengthening democratic governance and political stability. Addressing the nation on the country’s democratic reform process, he noted that Ethiopia’s democratic journey requires patience, institutional strength, and collective civic responsibility. “Ethiopia’s path toward democracy requires patience, strong institutions, and the collective commitment of citizens to protect the integrity of the electoral process,” the prime minister stated. In a separate parliamentary address on political reforms and electoral governance, he also highlighted the central role of elections in shaping national leadership, noting that “free, fair, and credible elections are the foundation upon which a stable and prosperous democratic system is built.” Electoral History Ethiopia’s electoral experience since the adoption of the federal constitution in 1995 illustrates the gradual evolution of democratic governance in the country. The first national election held that year introduced a multi-party parliamentary system in which members of the House of People's Representatives are elected for five-year terms from single-seat constituencies. Early elections, however, were conducted during periods characterized by political transition and institutional consolidation. At the time, the country was working to stabilize its newly established federal system while constructing the core structures of governance. Some opposition parties boycotted those early elections, and political competition remained limited. Over the following decades, Ethiopia conducted successive elections in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2021. Each electoral cycle reflected changing political dynamics and gradually expanding participation by political actors. Despite challenges that emerged at various stages, the electoral process has progressively broadened in scale, administration, and institutional oversight. Democratic Institutions One of the defining features of the seventh national election is the strengthening of democratic institutions responsible for administering and safeguarding the electoral process. Recent reforms have significantly enhanced the autonomy, professional capacity, and nationwide operational reach of the National Election Board of Ethiopia. The institution has expanded its structures at both federal and regional levels, enabling broader voter registration, improved election management, and more effective monitoring of political parties. The board has also emphasized its commitment to professionalism and transparency, placing priority on ensuring that every eligible Ethiopian voter has the opportunity to participate in a credible and transparent electoral process. Officials from the board underline that strengthening public confidence in elections remains a central institutional objective and a critical factor for the future of democracy in the country. Alongside the election board, other democratic institutions such as the National Dialogue Commission, the judiciary, parliament, and civil society organizations are playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Civil society organizations are now legally permitted to conduct voter education campaigns and observe electoral activities, contributing to greater transparency and strengthening public trust in the system. Speaker of the House of People's Representatives, Tagese Chafo, has also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the electoral process. Speaking at a national forum that brought together judicial and administrative institutions involved in election preparations, he stated that the government will provide the necessary support for the successful conduct of the seventh national election. He further emphasized the importance of cooperation among institutions, noting that ensuring peaceful and credible elections is a responsibility shared by both institutions and citizens. Political Participation Another notable feature of the seventh national election is the growing participation of political actors across the country. Ethiopia’s multi-party system has gradually diversified, with numerous political parties competing for representation in parliament. The upcoming election will bring together political organizations and independent candidates contesting hundreds of seats in the federal legislature. The results will determine the political composition of the House of People’s Representatives and shape the direction of national governance for the next five years. Political analysts suggest that broader participation in elections contributes significantly to strengthening democratic culture by encouraging debate over national policies and development priorities. Competitive elections enable citizens to evaluate different visions for the country and hold leaders accountable through the ballot box. Free, Fair, and Credible Elections For Ethiopia, the successful conduct of free, fair, and credible elections remains a central pillar of democratic consolidation. Elections serve as the primary mechanism through which citizens exercise their constitutional right to choose representatives and influence the direction of national governance. When citizens trust the fairness of elections, the resulting government enjoys greater legitimacy and stronger capacity to implement policies aimed at national development. Transparent electoral processes therefore contribute significantly to the political legitimacy of the state. Reflecting on this principle, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stated during a national discussion on democratic governance that democracy grows when institutions are trusted and when citizens believe their voices are reflected through the ballot. Ensuring fairness in elections requires a comprehensive institutional framework that includes independent election management, impartial legal oversight, and equal opportunities for political parties to compete. It also requires active engagement from voters, political organizations, and civic institutions in protecting the integrity of the process. Deepening Democratic Culture Beyond legal frameworks and administrative procedures, the seventh national election also represents an opportunity to deepen democratic culture across Ethiopian society. Democracy flourishes not only through institutions but also through public trust, political tolerance, and respect for constitutional principles. Peaceful and competitive elections encourage political actors to engage through dialogue, policy debate, and democratic competition rather than confrontation. Such practices help cultivate democratic norms including compromise, accountability, and respect for differing viewpoints. In this context, the National Dialogue Commission has also been working to address national challenges through dialogue and consultation. As democratic practices become more deeply embedded within the political system, elections evolve from moments of political contest into instruments of collective decision-making and national unity. Compared with earlier elections conducted during periods of political transition and institutional formation, the upcoming poll will take place within a more mature framework of electoral governance and constitutional order. While challenges remain, the strengthening of democratic institutions, expanding political participation, and commitment to credible elections demonstrate Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to build a political system that reflects the will of its people. Ultimately, the success of the seventh General Election will depend not only on institutions but also on the shared responsibility of political leaders, citizens, and democratic bodies to uphold transparency, fairness, and peaceful political competition. The election represents both a reflection of Ethiopia’s democratic progress and an opportunity to further consolidate the foundations of inclusive and accountable governance. If conducted successfully, the upcoming vote will reinforce democratic norms, strengthen institutional credibility, and deepen public confidence in the electoral process. Most importantly, it will contribute to Ethiopia’s long-term efforts to advance democratic transition while strengthening the nation-building process through a system in which leadership is determined by the will of the people and guided by constitutional order.

Addis Ababa, March 6, 2026 (ENA)— Civil society organizations are irreplaceable strategic partners in building a robust democratic system, Democratic System Building Coordination Center Head with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister and Prosperity Party Vice President, Adem Farah, said today. The 5th Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Week kicked off in Addis Ababa today under the theme “Self-reliance: A Pillar of Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Development.” On the occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the government has been working with focus on civil society organizations since the onset of the national reform. He emphasized that civil society organizations are key partners in establishing the country's democracy and ensuring economic growth by addressing gaps left by the government and the private sector. The government believes these organizations are crucial for shaping future generations, building trust among citizens, and enhancing social unity, Adem stressed. He noted successes since the ratification of Proclamation No. 1113/2019, which guarantees the right to organize, and has expanded civic space by removing unnecessary restrictions. The number of civil society organizations in the country has nearly tripled, contributing significantly to development and peace building, the Deputy Prime Minister stated. He called on the organizations to strengthen their roles in democracy, support voter education for the upcoming election, and help the country's transition to productivity. Justice Minister Hanna Arayaselassie said in her keynote speech that the number of civil societies in Ethiopia has increased significantly due to the legal and procedural reforms carried out in recent years. The government supports people's rights to gather and express themselves as recognized through official announcements. The Minister highlighted the importance of community organizations in promoting democracy, peace, and economic growth, encouraging the groups to participate in discussions, justice processes, and elections. Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) Director-General, Samson Biratu noted that civil society organizations (CSOs) now operate in a conducive environment freely and effectively fulfilling their mandates. He emphasized that the fifth SCO Week aims to foster stakeholder cooperation and experience-sharing in a peaceful, encouraging setting. "To ensure the event's success and expansion across the region and Africa, this initiative offers tremendous potential for growth and collaboration among nations and organizations", the Director-General said. Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) President, Ahmed Hussen, stated that reforms have spurred numerous CSO formations, significantly advancing Ethiopia's democratization and development. "To maximize their public benefits, all stakeholders must actively engage," Ahmed urged, adding that building trust between CSOs and government requires collaboration and transparency. Ahead of the upcoming national election, the President affirmed CSOs readiness to help support the elections to be fair, free, credible and inclusive that empower citizens to form their government.

Addis Ababa, March 5, 2026 (ENA)—The House of People’s Representatives Speaker, Tagesse Chaffo, announced that an enabling environment has been created to ensure that the Seventh General Election is free, democratic, and supported by modern technology. According to the Speaker, an enabling environment — ranging from legislative reforms to technological integration—has been established. A national forum on the synergy between judicial and democratic institutions was held in Addis Ababa under the theme: "Advancement of Judicial and Democratic Institutions for Successful Nation-Building." The platform deliberated on how key institutions within the justice system and democratic process can draw from past experiences to ensure robust nation-building in the future. On the occasion, House Speaker Tagesse noted that the fundamental reforms undertaken in the National Election Board of Ethiopia have elevated the nation’s democratic system to a higher level. He explained that by revising the Proclamation for the Registration of Political Parties and Electoral Ethics, the House has ensured that the Board operates independently and without interference. Moreover, the government’s significant contributions to human resources and logistics have laid a solid foundation for a free, fair, and democratic election. The Speaker reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support to ensure the successful completion of the election. Tagesse Chaffo emphasized that the reforms within the Board have secured its neutrality, allowing it to play a pivotal role in building a democratic system. Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, Melatwork Hailu, stated that the Board’s transition to digital operations aims to bolster the credibility of the election. She pointed out that candidate registration has been fully digitalized, and a system has been established for voters to register via digital stations, mobile applications, or in person at polling centers. To ensure a successful electoral process, the Chairperson urged political parties to adhere to electoral codes of conduct during their campaigns. She also noted that awareness-raising initiatives have been conducted for political party leaders. The Chairperson concluded by highlighting that advancing technological use and ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders are crucial for a free, fair, and inclusive election.

Addis Ababa, March 5, 2026 (ENA)—Bangladesh has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Ethiopia, placing trade and investment at the center of its diplomatic engagement. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Air Vice Marshal Sitwat Nayeem, said Dhaka is keen to expand cooperation and unlock untapped commercial opportunities between the two nations. “The present status of the relationship between Ethiopia and Bangladesh is very good since we established our embassy in Addis Ababa in 2016. The relationship has been growing slowly but steadily, and I am trying my best to connect with the different people to make this relationship even better,” Nayeem stated. He noted that bilateral ties have progressed steadily with sustained political goodwill providing a solid platform for enhanced economic collaboration. The ambassador also recalled that Bangladesh’s foreign minister visited Addis Ababa last year for talks with his Ethiopian counterpart, focusing on expanding cooperation and exploring growth strategies. Despite the positive trajectory, Nayeem acknowledged a persistent information gap between the business communities of both countries. “There is a lack of knowledge between both the business people of both countries. Ethiopian business people do not know what the opportunities are in Bangladesh and Bangladesh business people also do not know what the opportunities are here in Ethiopia,” he explained. He stressed that stronger business to business engagement and sustained policy dialogue would be essential to bridge this gap and stimulate trade flows. Nayeem said a recent Bangladesh Ethiopia trade show revealed considerable potential for collaboration, particularly as Bangladeshi participants observed Ethiopia’s rising demand for industrial and consumer goods amid rapid economic growth. “Ethiopia is growing very fast. Development is progressing rapidly. So the country needs a lot of resources and supplies, and that is where Bangladeshi businesspeople can come in,” he said. Agriculture emerged as a natural area for partnership. The ambassador highlighted the complementarity between Ethiopia’s coffee exports and Bangladesh’s global leadership in jute production. “One of the important sectors that I recognize is that the main export here is coffee and, you know, for preserving coffee, you need a jute bag. Bangladesh produces the largest amount of jute in the world, but we do not export to Ethiopia,” he emphasized. He added: “This is one sector that we need to connect the business people, the Ethiopian coffee business people with the jute business people of Bangladesh.” Pharmaceuticals were also identified as a promising field for cooperation, alongside other manufacturing sectors where Bangladesh has developed competitive capacity. “My job right now is to connect this to people and share the opportunities in both our countries so that they can come together and do business and increase the trade volume,” Nayeem added. Encouraging Bangladeshi investors to view Ethiopia as a gateway to the broader African market, the ambassador pointed to the advantages offered under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which provides expanded access across the continent.

By staff writer Addis Ababa, March 5, 2026 (ENA)—For decades, African leaders, diplomats, and policy experts have called for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). They argued that the world’s most powerful decision-making body must reflect the realities of the 21st century rather than the geopolitical order of 1945. At the heart of the debate lies a long-standing grievance. Africa, a continent of 54 countries and over 1.4 billion people, still has no permanent representation on the Security Council. While Africa frequently dominates the Council’s agenda, many of the conflicts and peacekeeping missions discussed involve African countries, the continent remains excluded from the body’s most influential tier. In recent years, this demand for reform has gained renewed urgency. Yet a proposal to grant Africa two permanent seats without veto power has sparked sharp criticism across the continent, with many African leaders and experts describing the idea as inadequateand even humiliating. Africa’s Call for Meaningful Representation The push for reform is strongly supported by countries such as Ethiopia, which hosts the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia, together with other African states, has consistently advocated for Africa’s fair representation in the Security Council and for changes in its working methods. For Ethiopia, the issue goes beyond symbolism. It is about correcting a historical injustice and preserving the legitimacy of the Security Council itself. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly emphasized Ethiopia’s firm belief in the urgent need to reform the Council. He has also highlighted the importance of Africans securing permanent representation consistent with the Common African Position, which calls for two permanent seats for Africa with full privileges, including veto power. African leaders argue that anything less would fail to address the fundamental imbalance in global governance. A Proposal That Sparked Controversy Recently, proposals aimed at reforming the Security Council suggested allocating two permanent seats to Africa to make the body more representative. However, the proposal reportedly excludes veto power for these seats. The veto power, currently held only by the five permanent members, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China—allows those states to block any substantive resolution. Critics argue that offering Africa permanent seats without veto authority would amount to symbolic inclusion rather than real power. Such an arrangement, they say, would merely reinforce the structural inequality that has long marginalized Africa in global decision-making. For many African policymakers and analysts, permanent membership without veto power risks institutionalizing second-class status within the Security Council. A System Designed for a Different World Experts argue that the current structure of the Security Council reflects the power balance of the post-World War II era rather than today’s geopolitical realities. Renowned Polish scholar Professor Andrzej Polus of the University of Wrocław, whose research focuses on contemporary political developments in Sub-Saharan Africa, told Ethiopian News Agency that African states joined the international system under conditions they had little role in shaping. He points out that the 1960s were widely known as the “Year of Africa,” when many countries gained independence from colonial rule. Yet those newly independent states had to operate within an international system already designed without their participation. “The United Nations Security Council reflects the situation of 1945 when it was created,” Polus explains. “Most of the cases currently before the Council involve sub-Saharan African countries. Yet Africa remains excluded from real influence within this structure.” In his view, granting Africa permanent seats without veto power would not meaningfully address this imbalance. He described such proposals as “humiliating,” arguing that Africa must be granted permanent membership with the same privileges enjoyed by existing permanent members. Growing Global Instability The urgency of reform was also highlighted during a recent forum titled “Sustaining the Momentum for UNSC Reform Amidst a Dynamic Global Geopolitical Context,” which brought together diplomats and policy experts connected to the African Union. Participants stressed that Africa plays a central role in international peace and security yet remains underrepresented in the Council’s permanent membership. Solomon Ayele Dersso, Director of Amani Africa Media and Research Services, warned that the world is entering a period of unprecedented geopolitical instability. “We are at an inflection point in the world,” he said. Quoting W. B. Yeats’ famous poem The Second Coming, Solomon described the current moment as one where “the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world.” He noted that global conflict levels have reached some of the highest levels since World War II, with devastating consequences for civilians. Across Africa, from the Sahel to the Great Lakes region, countries continue to grapple with complex security crises, humanitarian emergencies, and socio-economic challenges. Given the scale of these challenges, Solomon questioned whether a UN framework shaped by post-war power dynamics remains fit for purpose. “The legitimacy and effectiveness of the Security Council are increasingly under pressure,” he warned. Africa’s Historical Claim African diplomats emphasize that the demand for permanent representation is not new but rooted in decades of diplomatic advocacy. Robert Afriyie, Ghana’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, highlighted the historical context behind Africa’s push for reform, stressing that the continent’s growing political, economic, and demographic importance must be reflected in global institutions. Without meaningful reform, many analysts fear the Security Council risks losing credibility among large parts of the Global South. Reforming Multilateralism Despite the frustrations surrounding UNSC reform, Professor Polus argues that multilateral institutions still offer African countries important advantages. Through multilateral diplomacy, African states can diversify partnerships, secure financing, and avoid excessive dependence on any single global power. Africa’s diplomatic landscape is already evolving rapidly. Initiatives such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), U.S.–Africa summits, and African Union–European Union partnerships illustrate the continent’s expanding engagement with global powers. “A lot is happening in terms of diplomatic activity,” Polus notes. But he stresses that global institutions must adapt to this new reality. “The world has changed, and international institutions should reflect this change,” he said. Reforming the Security Council, he argues, ultimately requires renegotiating the treaties that define the structure of global governance. Only then can the Council become more representative, legitimate, and effective. A Test for Global Governance The debate over Africa’s representation in the Security Council has become a broader test of the international system’s ability to adapt to changing power dynamics. For African leaders and policymakers, the issue is clear: representation without real influence is not reform. If global institutions are to maintain legitimacy in an increasingly multipolar world, many argue that Africa’s voice must not only be heard, but empowered.