President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has made a strong call for reforms in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), urging that Africa must be given a bigger and fairer voice. Speaking through Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, President Museveni called for at least two Permanent Seats with veto power and two Non-Permanent Seats for Africa on the Security Council.
This important message was delivered during the 6th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) of the African Union, which focuses on pushing for reforms in the UN Security Council. The summit was held virtually on Friday, July 25, 2025, and was chaired by His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, who also serves as the coordinator of the C-10 group.
Leaders from across Africa attended the summit, including the Presidents of Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Namibia, and Zambia. Other countries such as Algeria, Congo Republic, and Senegal were represented by their ministers. Together, they discussed the need to correct the historical injustice where Africa has no permanent representation on one of the most powerful decision-making bodies in the world.
President Museveni’s message was clear: Africa cannot continue to be left out of global decision-making, especially on matters of peace, security, and development that directly affect the continent. He emphasized that giving Africa permanent seats with veto power is not a favor, but a right that has long been denied.
The United Nations Security Council currently has five permanent members—China, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and France—all of whom hold veto power. Many African leaders believe that this setup reflects an outdated world order and does not represent the current global population or the growing role of Africa in world affairs.
This call for reform is part of a long-standing effort by African nations to have a stronger voice on international issues. The C-10, which was established by the African Union, continues to push for changes that would allow Africa to be fairly represented and heard in the UN system.
As global power dynamics shift, the demand from African leaders like President Museveni adds to the pressure on the international community to finally make the United Nations more inclusive and representative. The message from this summit is loud and clear: Africa wants a seat at the table—and it wants it now.
