The United States’ recent advocacy for African representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), but without veto power, has sparked a strong backlash, notably from former African diplomat Arikana Chihombori-Quao. Chihombori-Quao, who served as the African Union’s ambassador to the U.S., voiced her disapproval by calling the proposal “an insult to 1.4 billion Africans,” arguing that offering positions without veto power is effectively silencing Africa at the global decision-making table.
Since the UNSC’s inception in 1945, veto power has been the exclusive privilege of the five permanent members (China, Russia, France, the U.K., and the U.S.), leaving other nations, including those with temporary seats, without significant authority over major resolutions. Critics of the U.S. proposal see it as perpetuating a historic imbalance, preventing African nations from gaining true influence within global governance structures.
Chihombori-Quao’s stance resonates with a growing demand among African leaders for full representation, including veto power, to ensure that Africa’s interests are protected and that its voice is not marginalized. As discussions on UNSC reform progress, African nations face the challenge of unifying their position to advocate for a meaningful role in international diplomacy, one that includes equal authority and the ability to exercise veto rights. This is seen as essential for correcting historical injustices and promoting fairer global governance.
