President Hichilema Calls for UN Security Council to Include Africa

African representation, arguing that this exclusion hampers conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts across the continent.

Speaking through Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma at the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform, President Hichilema noted that 60% of the issues addressed by the Security Council pertain to Africa, yet the continent continues to lack a permanent seat at the table.

Hichilema stressed the urgency of concluding long-standing negotiations involving Africa that have been discussed for years without consensus. He added that Africa’s voice needs to be heard and represented, and reform must happen now.

African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, echoed this sentiment, urging that the reform agenda be communicated directly to the people of Africa so it can be embraced and owned by all Africans. “We must intensify diplomatic campaigns and lobbying, while highlighting two major global instruments - the New Agenda for Peace and the Pact for the Future,” he added.

The meeting underscored a shared belief that Africa must be adequately represented in global decision-making structures. Without this, efforts to maintain peace and resolve conflict will continue to face significant challenges. Ensuring Africa’s inclusion is critical to enabling the Security Council to fulfil its mandate of maintaining international peace and security.