Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto raised concerns over UN Security Council membership and International Financial Architecture reforms in the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate 2026 in New York. The High-Level Week happened from September 22 to 28, 2026 in which about 130 Heads of State and government attended.
Ruto demanded equitable and permanent Africa membership in UN Security Council through granting Africa permanent representation with the same full powers as the other permanent members, President William Ruto wrote on his X post. "Africa must have a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape global peace and security," Ruto stated. Apart from Ruto, other African heads of state who stressed the need for Africa's permanent seats in the Council are Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Liberian President Joseph Boakai, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The Kenyan President also asked for affordable loans with long-term payback periods for countries in need of financing to assure investors to fund their development. "Development cannot remain most expensive for countries that need investment most, while debt service crowds out classrooms, healthcare and opportunity," he added.
Ruto also asked developing countries to manage their loans wisely by strengthening their institutions, improving local financial markets, fighting corruption and respecting contract agreements.
Besides his demand for reforms, Ruto credited United Nations for its success in world transformation in peace advancement, self-determination and human progress.
Why Africa Has No Permanent Seat on the UN Security Council
Apart from Africa, United Nations Security Council has permanent representatives in other continents. This feels unjust for a continent with 54 states and about 1.4 billion people.
The UN Security Council has 15 members: 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. Currently, Africa has only three out of ten countries elected as non-permanent members serving two-year term which are Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Somalia.
Russia, China, France, United States, and United Kingdom have been the permanent members for 81 years. They gained their seats since establishment of the organization after World War II in 1945 as major allies.
The United Nations Charter Article 108 which has to be amended to reform the UN Security Council structure, demands authorization by two-thirds of the United Nations General Assembly and approval by about 129 member states including the five permanent members. The UN Security Council permanent members hold veto power, meaning, if any of them rejects the changes, then the amendment can't pass. This makes it nearly impossible to reform the council thus leaving Africa with no-permanent representation.
The permanent members are recognized top military powers on the world and are reluctant to share the veto rights for it would mean reducing their power privileges.
The other reason why African representation in the UN Security Council remains unsolved is because the 54 states are in disagreement on who should get it. Under Ezulwini Consensus, Africa should have at least two permanent representatives in the UN Security Council with same rights as the others. Multiple African countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are interested with the seat while Kenya, Ethiopia and Libya have also announced ambitions on council representation.
With concerns that Africa has no permanent member in the Council, over 50 UN member states have never served as members of the Security Council out of 193 total members since formation of UNGA according to United Nations.
Africa's Voice in the Security Council and Sustainable Financing
Lack of permanent UN Security Council representation for Africa means that the continent has no permanent say on Security Council, a body which is responsible for world's peace and security actions despite about 70% of the UNSC thrust of resolution such as humanitarian emergencies and peace operations from Africa.
If Ruto's demands for reform passes, Africa will have veto rights and direct influence when decisions about wars and peace missions are being made thus fairness on power, authority to decide and rights in the Security Council body. It will also mark the second time the UN Security Council is making changes since 1963 where it reformed its members from 11 to 15.
For affordable and long term loans, it would mean less debt repayment burden, more financial flexibility, ability to fund large-scale and long-term development projects. This can help to avoid draining current cash flow.
Africa Pushes for UN Security Council Reform
African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) is coordinating to push UN Security Council to hand Africa at least 2 permanent seats backed by veto power. Many African countries have partnered in demand of UN Security Council reform so that Africa can finally have a permanent representation.
If Ruto's reform demands are considered, they will mark fairness and the world will have a real voice in deciding on the common future. African states need an equitable global system where everyone has a share and hope for the future.
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Written by: John Muia (Founder and Editor)
John Muia is the founder and Editor in InstandTrend. The Journalist is experienced with skills in creative writing, news coverage and fact-checking in digital and print media.