Zambia Reaffirms Africa’s Call for UN Security Council Reform
Zambia has reiterated Africa’s collective demand for urgent and equitable reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasising the continent’s need for permanent representation and a stronger voice in global peace and security matters.
The statement was delivered by Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, SC, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, on behalf of President Hakainde Hichilema, at the Seventh Summit of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10). The summit marked the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, historic frameworks adopted in 2005 to guide Africa’s engagement on UNSC reform.
Speaking at the summit, which was opened by H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and Coordinator of the C-10, Hon. Haimbe stressed that Africa’s stance is a matter of historical justice, sovereign equality, and global legitimacy, rather than a request for favour.
He noted that while Africa accounts for 54 UN Member States—over a quarter of the UN membership—the continent still lacks permanent representation on the Security Council.
The Minister emphasised the need to expand both permanent and non-permanent membership to reflect 21st-century geopolitical realities and ensure Africa’s rightful influence in decisions on international peace and security.
He called for unity, vigilance, and strategic promotion of the Ezulwini Consensus to achieve tangible reform.
C-10 members in attendance included Algeria, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Namibia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Zambia. The summit concluded with the adoption of a Communiqué reaffirming Africa’s demands: at least two permanent seats with full prerogatives, including veto rights, and two additional non-permanent seats for the continent.
The Communiqué also highlighted the disproportionate focus of the UNSC agenda on African issues, underlining the urgency for Africa to gain permanent representation.
