Kenyan President William Ruto has renewed calls for a fundamental overhaul of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that Africa’s absence from the Council’s permanent membership no longer reflects the continent’s demographic weight, geopolitical importance or growing role in international peace and security.
Speaking on behalf of the African Group at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha in November 2025, Ruto said Africa should receive at least two permanent Security Council seats with full privileges, including veto powers if the veto is retained, alongside additional non-permanent representation. Kenya has also backed the broader African position for greater representation in the Council.
The demand goes beyond adding seats. For African governments, permanent representation would give the continent a more direct role in decisions on wars, sanctions, peacekeeping, international security and other issues that can have immediate consequences for African countries.
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