The United Nations Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, has agreed that it needs to be reformed or reorganized to reflect the current balance of forces and improve its methods of operation and ability to carry out its mandate. There is a growing global consensus among member states. .
There is also a growing consensus among African Union member states that Africa deserves a permanent seat on the Council.
On September 13, the debate took a new turn when the United States announced that it supported the creation of two new permanent seats for African countries and a non-permanent seat for small island developing States. This came after the Biden administration pledged to support expanding the Security Council in 2022.
The new permanent seats would come without veto power.
Read more: Africa on the UN Security Council: why the continent should have two permanent members
In my view, there are several reasons why this effort to expand the council is likely to fail. I have published following South Africa’s experience on the UN Security Council and believe we need to take a sober assessment of what is achievable.
First, the permanent members and veto-holders (Russia and China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France) are reluctant to share a permanent seat for fear of diluting their interests and influence. be.
Second, if there is an agreement on expansion, who would be suitable to fill the additional seats and how would they be selected? From Latin America to Europe to Asia, there are many deserving candidates.
Third, how will Africa elect two people to represent the continent on the board?
Fourth, such newcomers are co-opted by those in power (in this case the United States) to support or help carry out Western peace and security agendas at the expense of those of Africa and the Global South. What prevents us from doing so?
To offset the allure and prestige of joining a major international security club, Africa must meet the participation requirements (i.e. diplomatic qualifications, peacekeeping experience, and funding capacity). member.
Africa would be wise to select and support candidates with experience, resources and a credible peacebuilding track record on the continent.
hurdles and dangers
It is by no means clear whether the continent’s two economic powers, Nigeria and South Africa, should represent Africa. Size is important, but it doesn’t necessarily translate into domestic appeal or credibility. This is a key requirement for success in local and international affairs.
The unfortunate truth is that Africa remains divided on the basis of region, language and culture. The continent struggles to speak with one voice on important issues such as peace and security, which are priorities on the UN’s security agenda.
Under these circumstances, the process of selecting two candidates from the African Union’s 54 member states is likely to be lengthy and likely unsuccessful.
Furthermore, Western offers to give Africa a seat at the table should not be seen as an act of charity. Incorporating Africa into the Western sphere of influence is a strategic calculation to counter Russia and China’s growing influence on world affairs.
The emergence of a new world order creates stress and tension. Western countries led by the US continue to wield hard power but with diminishing influence, while active alliances of countries in the Global South led by China will ultimately determine international affairs. Be enthusiastic.
Read more: Pan-Africanism remains a dream: 4 key issues the African Union must address
Prominent members of the Global South are being tempted or pressured to align with one power bloc or another.
Africa in particular is important not only because of its high voting numbers (54 countries can influence decision-making in multilateral conferences), but also more strategically because Africa constitutes the reservoir of the future global economy. being sued for this reason. In addition to being blessed with a young demographic, Africa can attract attention because of its abundance of green transition minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel.
Where do we go from here?
If all obstacles are overcome, the selected countries will be able to get their jobs. It’s a demanding assignment, full-time, never mind developing the UN Security Council agenda. The selected African countries will need to commit significant human and financial resources, peacebuilding capacity, and diplomatic leadership.
South Africa is perhaps best placed to meet these criteria and can play a constructive role in advancing Africa’s agenda. But be careful.
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The country’s President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly responded to the US statement. On the eve of departing for the annual United Nations General Assembly talk show, he told the media:
We have campaigns, the concept has been accepted and of course Africa continues to play an important role through various countries on the continent and peacekeeping missions not only on the continent but around the world. So we have the capacity, we know how to do it, and we need to give Africa its rightful place within the United Nations system and its various structures.
First, all African leaders need to answer some important questions.
What are the benefits of an African country becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council?
How does it contribute and what does it receive in return?
Will it be able to set the agenda and norms, or will it be forced to fulfill the mandates of those it allows to have a seat at the table?
Africa is no stranger to the workings of the United Nations system. In its efforts to decolonize and overcome the apartheid system, it has benefited greatly from the involvement of the United Nations. We work closely with the United Nations in the face of challenges such as underdevelopment, unequal trade, extreme weather events, and the continued exploitation of human and natural resources.
It is appropriate and ethical for Africa to obtain a permanent seat in the apex body and to operationalize the Security Council to address Africa’s peace and security challenges.
This will require selected members, with support from other council members, to develop a course of action for Africa.
