NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya’s Raila Odinga, a candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, has put Africa’s representation on the global stage front and center in his campaign.
During the Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Odinga pledged to lead the charge in securing two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a move he described as long overdue.
“The current structure of the UN Security Council doesn’t reflect today’s realities,” Odinga emphasized. “It was formed at a time when much of Africa was under colonial rule. That’s no longer the case, and it’s time for change.”
At the heart of Odinga’s proposal is a call to address the glaring inequities in the UNSC’s composition.
The council, which comprises 15 members, has five permanent seats held by China, Russia, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom—each wielding veto power.
Meanwhile, Africa, despite representing 1.4 billion people and 55 sovereign nations, remains sidelined with only three non-permanent, rotating seats.
Odinga argued that this lack of representation is both “unacceptable and untenable,” especially when compared to Europe, which holds three permanent seats.
“Africa must have two permanent seats with veto power to reflect its influence and importance on the global stage,” he declared.
This stance aligns with a growing consensus among African nations calling for UNSC reform. Odinga’s plan includes leveraging continental unity to push for these changes, ensuring Africa speaks with one voice in demanding its rightful place at the table.
Odinga acknowledged that achieving this ambitious goal requires Africa to first strengthen its foundations.
Echoing sentiments expressed by other African leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, he underscored the importance of reforming the African Union (AU) to build a cohesive and powerful front.
Kagame recently proposed a strategy where one of Africa’s permanent UNSC seats could represent the AU Commission, while the second would rotate among member states to reflect the continent’s collective interests.
However, he and others, like Ambassador Martin Kimani, have cautioned against rushing the process without addressing internal challenges within the AU.
Kimani warned that pursuing UNSC seats without adequate reforms could lead to divisions and manipulation by external powers.
Instead, he emphasized the need for internal unity, accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and a stronger AU Peace and Security Council to enhance Africa’s ability to lead on global issues.
Odinga’s vision is not just about gaining seats—it’s about ensuring Africa is recognized as an equal partner in shaping global policies. “This is only fair because we are a continent of 55 nations. Representation is a must, and I will fight for this if elected,” he pledged.
With support for UNSC reform growing, even the United States has signaled backing for Africa’s bid.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield recently highlighted the need for a more inclusive Security Council, acknowledging that current rotating seats don’t allow African nations to fully contribute to decision-making.
As the debate around UNSC reform heats up, Odinga’s campaign highlights a critical issue for Africa’s future: securing its place in global governance. The journey may be challenging, but for Odinga and many African leaders, the message is clear—it’s Africa’s time to lead.
