African countries should be united in calls for reform of the UN Security Council, says international relations & co-operation minister Ronald Lamola.
Lamola told the inaugural Peace and Security Dialogue, held by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation at the weekend, African leaders should reconsider some aspects of the AU’s 2005 Ezulwini consensus aimed at increasing Africa’s representation on the Security Council — a body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
The consensus includes a call for the continent to have two veto-wielding permanent seats on the Security Council. But there is no agreement among AU members on which countries should fill the seats and what criteria should be used.
“A more inclusive Security Council, with all member states having equal powers, will allow the institution to respond effectively to peace and security challenges on the continent and in other parts of the world. Let us not allow this issue to divide colleagues,” Lamola said.
“Yes, we will fight for two veto-holding seats. But let us see progress. The window of opportunity has finally arrived. South Africa firmly supports the 2005 Ezulwini consensus as the continent’s common position on the reform of the UNSC. If it means we are meant to reconsider some aspects, we will do so together.”
The consensus also calls for five nonpermanent seats with the AU selecting the countries to fill them.
However, the UN General Assembly still elects five new nonpermanent members from different geographical zones for two-year terms on the 15-member Security Council, with Africa holding three rotational seats.
Its composition remains unchanged despite years of calls for reform and Africa remains underrepresented. Many argue that this lack of representation undermines the council’s legitimacy and effectiveness.
The issue of Security Council reform was highlighted in September ahead of the UN General Assembly when the US announced it would support the creation of two new permanent seats for African countries but without veto power. SA opposed the proposal.
Lamola said SA would use its position as Group of Twenty (G20) chair in 2025 to continue to press for UN reform, the importance of financing peace operations on the continent, addressing climate change and leveraging Africa’s mineral resources for economic growth.
“It is inconceivable that only 3% of the financing aimed for climate change goes to the Global South and, in particular, Sub-Saharan Africa, which is the most affected by climate change,” he said.
Lamola also addressed other issues on security including conflicts in the Sahel, the threat of terrorism in Mozambique and the need for political solutions.
“SA’s involvement in peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace-building efforts stems from the understanding that peace and stability are essential for Africa’s socioeconomic development.
“This holistic approach underscores the interconnectedness of peace, security and development, highlighting that achieving broader developmental objectives only requires stability.”
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