African Union Chair Demands Security Council Reform, Permanent Seats for Continent

Addis Ababa, September 22, 2025 (ENA) -- Joao Loureco, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union (AU), advocated for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and allocating at least two permanent seats for Africa.

During his speech at the 7th Summit of the AU Committee of Heads of State and Government on Security Council Reform, the president stressed that the continent has the right to be a member of that body, with all its prerogatives, including the right of veto.

Lourenco stated at the meeting, held in New York this Sunday, that to ensure a fair and equitable representation, African countries should also have five non-permanent seats, so that Africa ceases to be an object of the Council’s decisions and becomes an active member.

“This demand is neither excessive nor symbolic, but rather the expression of a legitimate right based on the current geopolitical reality that demands the correction of this injustice,” the AU chairperson stated.

 

Lourenço expressed frustration that despite Africa representing 1.4 billion people—approximately 17% of the world's population—and holding nearly a third of seats in the UN General Assembly, the continent remains excluded from central decision-making in the Security Council.

"Two decades without concrete results may undermine the momentum of the process, but it is important to note that unity remains strong and unshakeable," Lourenço stated, emphasizing Africa's continued commitment to achieving equitable representation.

Lourenco also alluded to Africa’s contribution to Peacekeeping Operations and the fact that the Security Council addresses the situation in Africa in approximately 70 percent of its agenda, but the continent is not a permanent member and, therefore, part of its decisions.