19 Feb Africa challenges UN Security Council over missing seat

The head of the United Nations has urged sweeping reform of global governance structures, telling African leaders that the continent’s continued exclusion from permanent representation on the Security Council is no longer justifiable.

Addressing the annual summit of the African Union, Secretary-General António Guterres said the current composition of the council reflects a bygone era.

“This is 2026 – not 1946,” he said, arguing that the system established after the Second World War has failed to keep pace with geopolitical realities. He added that when decisions with profound consequences for Africa are taken, ‘Africa must be at the table.’

His remarks came as leaders gathered for the two-day meeting, where conflict, climate pressures and institutional reform dominate the agenda. Guterres called for urgent efforts to end ongoing violence across the continent, including an immediate ceasefire in Sudan and renewed commitments to halt fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Outgoing AU chairperson João Lourenço said the continent faces a period of profound global transition and must move beyond reacting to crises.

“Africa’s strength will lie in a union that is confident and united,” he said, calling for a more assertive role in shaping international decisions.

European leaders also sought to underline Africa’s growing strategic importance. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told delegates that the destinies of the two continents are closely linked.

“Neither Italy nor Europe can have a bright future without the meaningful participation of Africa,” she said.

During the summit, Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi was elected chairperson of the African Union for 2026, succeeding Lourenço.

Beyond institutional reform, leaders are expected to review major security crises in Sudan, the Sahel and Somalia, alongside discussions on climate action, economic reform and strengthening continental institutions.