During the UN General Assembly’s annual debate, a growing bloc of world leaders called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Security Council, arguing that the body’s 1945‑era power structure no longer reflects the world it is meant to protect. Calls ranged from expanding both permanent and non‑permanent membership to granting Africa a permanent seat with full privileges.
Kenyan President William Ruto highlighted that 188 UN members are equal under the Charter while only five hold permanent power, noting Africa’s 54 states lack any permanent voice after 17 years of stalled reform talks. Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio urged at least two African permanent seats with veto rights and five non‑permanent seats. Nigerian Vice‑President Kashim Shettima, South African Minister Ronald Lamola and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama echoed the demand, calling the current arrangement “fundamentally unacceptable” and essential for the UN’s credibility.
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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also urged expanding both categories of membership, while Lesotho backed the Ezulwini Consensus and Saint Lucia called for broader representation for Africa, the Asia‑Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – the G4 – continue to press for their own permanent seats. Any amendment to the Charter requires two‑thirds approval in the General Assembly and ratification by two‑thirds of UN members, including all five existing permanent Council members.
