Story perspectives

Ruto Urges UN Permanent Security Council Seats for Africa

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 6:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Kenyan President William Ruto urged the UN to grant Africa permanent Security Council seats.
African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus demands at least two permanent African seats with veto rights.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Africa’s lack of permanent representation is unjust and indefensible.
UN Charter amendment needs two-thirds of the General Assembly and two-thirds of members, including all five permanent states.

History

Historical Context

Efforts to curb the Security Council’s veto deadlock began with the 1950 “Uniting for Peace” resolution, allowing the General Assembly to act when the five permanent members disagree. Since the 1990s the Assembly has required a two-thirds majority of the Assembly for charter changes. Kenya’s President William Ruto and the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus seek two new permanent seats.

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Story summary

Kenyan President William Ruto urged the UN to grant Africa permanent Security Council seats.
African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus demands at least two permanent African seats with veto rights.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Africa’s lack of permanent representation is unjust and indefensible.
UN Charter amendment needs two-thirds of the General Assembly and two-thirds of members, including all five permanent states.

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