By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Mogadishu, 25 September 2026 - Eighty-one years after the creation of the United Nations, Africa has 54 countries and a population of more than 1.5 billion people. Many of the conflicts and security crises discussed by the UN Security Council also occur on the continent, yet Africa still does not hold a single permanent seat at the table where some of the world's most consequential decisions are made.
One demand featured prominently in the speeches delivered by African leaders during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly was correcting what they described as the historical injustice of excluding Africa from permanent membership of the Security Council.
African leaders spoke extensively about the issue, making permanent representation appear to be one of the continent's principal priorities at this year's gathering.
When the United Nations was established in 1945, the United States, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, France and China were recognised as the major powers that emerged from the Second World War. They were granted permanent membership of the Security Council and the power to veto its decisions.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia assumed its seat in 1991. China's seat was initially held by the Republic of China, whose government relocated to Taiwan. In 1971, the seat was transferred to the People's Republic of China.
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Today, the Security Council consists of 15 countries: five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. Africa holds three non-permanent seats, but none carries veto power.
The African Union's common position, known as the Ezulwini Consensus, calls for at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and privileges of permanent membership - including veto power for as long as it exists. It also demands that Africa's representation in the non-permanent category be increased to five seats.
Reforming the Council, however, will not be easy. Amending the UN Charter requires the support of two-thirds of UN members and ratification by all five permanent members. In practical terms, the countries that currently hold this power must agree to share it.
If Africa is eventually granted the two permanent seats it is demanding, which countries would occupy them - Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, Algeria or Somalia? Or would the African Union establish a system under which the seats rotate among countries or regions?
Africa is currently united around its demand for permanent representation. However, deciding who will represent the continent could become the next major contest.