African Union Demands Permanent UN Security Council Seats

As the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly commenced on September 8, 2026, Africa's long-standing campaign for permanent representation on the UN Security Council is gaining momentum. The African Union (AU) is advocating for at least two permanent seats with full prerogatives, including veto power, and five non-permanent seats on an expanded Security Council.

This demand is rooted in the AU’s Common African Position, which is based on the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, articulated this position on May 11, 2026, during a ministerial meeting in Nairobi, stating that Africa is demanding the correction of a historical injustice.

He highlighted that the credibility of the Security Council hinges on its ability to reflect contemporary global realities. Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu echoed this sentiment at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, on November 24, 2025, calling for genuine negotiations to support Africa's demand for reform.