The UN secretary-general says the absence of African seats is ‘indefensible’.
African nations must have permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, the head of the world body has told the African Union.
Latin American countries and most of those in Asia do not have a permanent presence either, despite their huge populations.
Can the UN be reformed?
Presenter: Rishaad Salamat
Guests:
Olukayode Bakare – visiting scholar in international relations and African politics at the University of Colorado Denver
Mukesh Kapila – former UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan
Tim Murithi – senior adviser at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Published On 15 Feb 2026