Rwandan President Paul Kagame has commented on reports that the United States backs two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that the continent’s representation must be inclusive and rotational.
In a statement shared on social media, President Kagame asserted that one of the permanent seats should be held by the African Union (AU) Commission, while the second seat should be filled by an African country on a rotational basis. He opines that no single country should hold the position permanently.
“One permanent seat would have to be held by the AU Commission, and the second seat by an African country on a rotational basis—not held by any single country permanently,” President Kagame posted, signaling Rwanda’s support for a collective approach to Africa’s representation at the highest decision-making body for global peace and security.
His comments come the same day the United States ambassador to the UN revealed that Washington supports creating two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and one seat to be rotated among small island developing states. US Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the revelation.
President Kagame’s statement reflects growing momentum in Africa to ensure that any new seats allocated to the continent on the Security Council are filled in a way that reflects the diversity and unity of African nations. The AU’s role as the continent’s primary political body is seen as crucial in ensuring that Africa’s representation is cohesive and benefits all member states equally.
This development comes as global discussions on UN Security Council reform intensify, with many countries calling for the inclusion of emerging powers and underrepresented regions like Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
