UN Chief Guterres Backs Ruto’s Push for Permanent African Seat at UN Security Council

UN Chief Guterres Backs Ruto’s Push for Permanent African Seat at UN Security Council

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed calls for reforms to the UN Security Council, backing demands for permanent African representation at the powerful global body.

Guterres made the remarks on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as world leaders gathered in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He said the continued exclusion of Africa from permanent membership was inconsistent with the geopolitical realities of the modern world.

The UN chief said Africa remains central to the organisation’s peace and security agenda but has no permanent seat on the 15-member Security Council.

“Africa still has no permanent seat on the Security Council. A 21st-century Security Council without permanent African representation is unjust & indefensible.”

Guterres called for a broader reform process aimed at making the Council more representative and effective in responding to global challenges.

“We must reform the Council so that it reflects today’s world with the legitimacy and effectiveness that today’s challenges demand.”

His comments closely align with President William Ruto’s longstanding campaign for greater African representation in global decision-making institutions.

Ruto has repeatedly argued that Africa should have two permanent seats on the Security Council, alongside additional non-permanent seats. He has also called for African representatives to receive full rights, including veto powers.

During his previous address to the UN General Assembly, Ruto said Africa’s exclusion could no longer be justified given the continent’s 54 countries and its contribution to UN peacekeeping and international security.

“You cannot claim to be the United Nations while disregarding the voice of 54 nations.”

Ruto has maintained that reforming the Security Council is necessary to reflect present-day geopolitical realities rather than the arrangements established after the Second World War. Kenya has continued to support the African Union’s common position on Security Council reform.

The Security Council currently consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. Africa currently has no permanent representative, although African countries periodically occupy elected seats.

The push for reform has gained renewed attention during the 81st General Assembly, with several UN officials highlighting the need to make global institutions more representative.

In his opening remarks for the General Assembly’s 81st session, Guterres said Africa’s continued exclusion was an issue of fairness and justice, noting the continent’s major role in UN peacekeeping.

“Africa needs to be at the table, not on the menu.”

He added that Africa should not be expected to continue waiting for permanent representation.

“Africa cannot be asked to wait indefinitely for its rightful place on the Council.”

The reform process, however, requires negotiations among UN member states and would ultimately involve changes to the UN Charter. The current permanent members also hold veto powers, making any expansion of permanent membership a complex diplomatic issue.

For Kenya, Guterres’ latest position provides further international attention to an issue Ruto has consistently raised during his engagements at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

The debate is expected to remain a major feature of discussions on reforming the international system, particularly as African countries seek greater participation in decisions concerning global peace, security and governance.

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UN Chief Guterres Backs Ruto’s Push for Permanent African Seat at UN Security Council