Kuwait urges Security Council reform to address Africa’s historic exclusion
Envoy tells African Union ministers current membership fails to reflect continent's population, influence and longstanding demand for permanent representation
TRIPOLI, Libya (MNTV) — Kuwait has called for reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that its current composition fails to provide Africa with fair representation in decisions affecting international peace and security.
According to Kuwait Times, Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Tareq Al-Banai, made the appeal during a ministerial meeting of the African Union’s Committee of Ten on Security Council reform in Tripoli.
Al-Banai serves as a co-chair of the intergovernmental negotiations on reform.
He highlighted Africa’s lack of a permanent seat on the council and its limited representation among non-permanent members, describing the imbalance as a historical injustice.
He argued that the council’s membership should reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and the aspirations of member states.
Al-Banai welcomed an African reform proposal presented by Sierra Leone, based on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
The proposal calls for at least two permanent African seats with the full privileges of permanent membership, alongside five non-permanent seats.
The debate reflects longstanding criticism of the Security Council’s structure, in which five countries hold permanent seats and veto powers.
Reform efforts have repeatedly faced disagreements over the number of additional seats, regional representation and the distribution of decision-making authority.
Kuwait said negotiations should continue toward a more representative and effective council, although consensus among member states remains elusive.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
