President William Ruto of Kenya has emerged as a leading voice advocating for urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for permanent African representation. Speaking at the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the UN Security Council, convened by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone during the High-Level Week of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, President Ruto called for African leaders to unite and amplify the continent’s voice.

President Ruto asserted that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership in the UN Security Council is both “unacceptable and indefensible.” He highlighted that Africa bears a disproportionate share of the Security Council’s agenda and is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, yet it remains the only continent without permanent representation. He termed this an “historic injustice” that must end, declaring, “the time to act is now.” He stressed that the UN’s credibility would be judged by its ability to deliver justice and representation for Africa.

Echoing these sentiments, President Bio, who chairs the C-10, declared African inclusion “inevitable” and deemed the demand “legitimate, non-negotiable and just.” He urged Africa to unite, stating, “No reform can succeed without a united Africa.” Other prominent leaders present, including João Lourenço (Angola and AU chair), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, also underscored the critical need for reform. Mr. Lourenço noted the UN’s founding principle of a more just society, which Africa’s lack of a permanent seat undermines. Mr. Youssouf added that the Security Council perpetuates an unacceptable imbalance without Africa’s permanent seat, stating, “Africa will no longer wait on the margins of history.” Ms. Nandi-Ndaitwah urged Security Council members to support Africa’s quest for representation and “be on the right side of history.”

President Ruto further urged African leaders to be prepared to shoulder the responsibilities of permanent membership, including agreeing on a mechanism for choosing representatives. He described this as a “delicate and complex undertaking,” but also an opportunity for Africa to demonstrate maturity, cohesion, and a clear vision for an effective international order. He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the Common African Position, which was solidified by the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. This position articulates Africa’s demand for at least two permanent seats with veto powers and five non-permanent seats on the Council. Ruto emphasized that deviating from or diluting this unified position would “betray the trust of our people,” underscoring that “Unity is our greatest strength.”

The C-10, under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone, was established to champion Africa’s unified stance on Security Council reform, a mission that President Ruto and his counterparts are vigorously pursuing.