R. Ravindra, charge d’affaires of India’s UN mission, recently asserted that the UN Security Council’s inefficacy stems from its inadequate geographic representation. He emphasized that granting Africa permanent membership is crucial for enhancing the Council’s effectiveness. Speaking on behalf of the G-4—comprising India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—Ravindra addressed the Council during an open debate on its reform, stating, “A major reason for the Council’s underperformance is its failure to represent Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region adequately in the permanent category.”
Ravindra advocated for African representation in both permanent and non-permanent seats as essential for a more representative and effective UNSC. The debate was organized by Sierra Leone, which currently holds the Council’s rotating presidency, to promote Africa’s case for enhanced representation.
Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, highlighted Africa’s underrepresentation despite its significant contribution to the UN, noting that the continent, with over 1.3 billion people and 54 countries, constitutes 28% of UN member states. He argued that Africa’s demand for two permanent and two additional non-permanent seats is a rectification of historical injustices, given that the UNSC has remained unchanged since its inception in 1945.
Ravindra reiterated G-4’s support for Africa’s demands and emphasized the group’s commitment to a reformed multilateralism that includes Africa’s rightful place. He noted the incongruity of Africa, which accounts for over 70% of the UNSC’s agenda items, lacking permanent representation.
Ravindra also urged the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) on UNSC reform to expedite text-based negotiations to achieve reform by the UN’s 80th anniversary next year. He referenced the inclusion of Africa in the G-20 summit under India’s leadership as a positive step.
While many speakers backed Africa’s case for priority reform, opposition remains from the Uniting for Consensus (UfC) group, which includes Italy and Pakistan. UfC members argue against expanding permanent membership but are open to considering Africa’s situation as a “special case.”
President Bio expressed confidence in overcoming UfC opposition, emphasizing Africa’s compelling case. He acknowledged the challenge of breaking through resistance but remained hopeful about achieving the desired reform.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the growing “cracks” in the UNSC’s foundation, which are contributing to its deadlock and undermining multilateralism. He emphasized that the Council’s lack of permanent representation for Africa—a continent of over a billion people—reflects a broader crisis of credibility and legitimacy.
