Former African diplomat Arikana Chihombori argues that creating seats for Africa on the UN Security Council without veto power is not just a snub, but an outright insult to the 1.4 billion people on the continent. Since the establishment of the UN in 1945, the Permanent Five members (China, Russia, France, UK, and US) have had the exclusive privilege of veto power, giving them the ability to block any Security Council resolution.
Although other countries have had temporary seats on the Council, they are denied the same veto power. Chihombori believes this arrangement is like inviting Africa to the table and then demanding that they remain silent. It’s a situation where African voices are effectively muted when it comes to crucial global decisions.
Chihombori’s stance highlights the ongoing struggle for equal representation and influence within international organizations. The debate surrounding the UN Security Council’s structure underscores the need for a more inclusive and fair system that reflects the diversity of the world’s population.