Dubbed the continent of the future, Africa represents boundless opportunities and growth potential that could largely reshape the global future. This potential could also endow Africa with a major role on the geopolitical stage. However, while continuing to reinforce its resolve to rise to the occasion, Africa needs to acknowledge that much work is left to be done.

Firstly, Africa needs to make progress in resolving decades-long conflicts and other issues dragging the continent down. Secondly, there is a need to practice consensus among African stakeholders. The 55 states of the African Union require continuous consensus to earn credibility on regional issues before moving on to bigger platforms and global issues. Without tangible progress on peace and governance, the continent’s global ambitions will remain aspirational rather than achievable. 

Without tangible progress on peace and governance, the continent’s global ambitions will remain aspirational rather than achievable

Africa’s push for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has reached a crucial juncture, with instability in the Sahel region (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger) bringing the continent’s credibility into question. This debate, centered around Africa’s right to claim a permanent UNSC seat, has intensified as allegations of state complicity in terrorism and other internal crises have further highlighted the fragility of regional and sub-regional organizations like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Adopted in 2005, the Ezulwini Consensus represents Africa’s unified position on reforming the United Nations Security Council. It calls for two permanent seats with veto power and five additional non-permanent seats for Africa. The proposal underscores the continent’s demand for equitable representation and a stronger voice in global governance. This position has been reaffirmed at every AU Summit since its adoption, although implementation remains stalled due to both internal divisions and external resistance.

The Sahel region’s accusations that foreign powers, in league with some African nations, are orchestrating terrorist activities have sparked diplomatic tension across the continent. Notably, Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tiani, accused France of covert operations to destabilize the region, a claim echoed by Mali, which also implicated Algeria. These allegations remain politically charged and unverified by independent sources. Despite the swift dismissals from both France and Algeria, this episode has exposed deep divisions within Africa, highlighting the limits of regional mechanisms to enforce conflict resolution independently.

In this context, the credibility of Africa’s demand for a permanent UNSC seat is being put to the test. If Africa is to secure such a position, it must first demonstrate its ability to manage its own crises and strengthen regional mechanisms for conflict resolution. 

For Africa to secure a permanent seat on the Security Council, it must first demonstrate its ability to manage its crises and strengthen regional conflict resolution mechanisms

In essence, legitimacy must precede representation. Africa’s call for a permanent seat will gain traction only when it is matched by the capacity to govern and mediate effectively within its own borders.

Africa’s Call for Reform Meets Questions of Legitimacy

For years, African leaders have clamored for the reform of the UNSC, which remains anchored in a post-World War II structure that many see as outdated. 

At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2025, Kenya’s President William Ruto forcefully declared that Africa’s exclusion from the UNSC is “unacceptable and indefensible.” His sentiments were echoed by other African leaders, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who described Africa’s absence as “lacking fairness and legitimacy.” 

Yet, despite these vocal demands, the response from the current UNSC members remains tepid. Both the United States and France have offered rhetorical support but have not used their veto powers to push for reform, leaving Africa’s aspirations stalled at the diplomatic level.

Credibility Questions at Home Overshadow Global Ambitions

However, critics argue that Africa’s own internal issues undermine its ability to claim a permanent UNSC seat. Awal Musa Rafsanjani, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Amnesty International Nigeria, who spoke exclusively to Eagle Intelligence Report, asserts that Africa’s lack of democratic governance, coupled with weak institutions and persistent conflict, raises doubts about its readiness to take on global responsibilities. 

According to Rafsanjani, despite Africa’s substantial contributions to global peacekeeping, the continent’s internal governance issues, ranging from bad governance to ongoing conflicts, undermine its moral authority. The recent instability in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso has highlighted the internal fragmentation that often prevents Africa from speaking with a unified voice on the world stage.

Dr. Abubakar Mohammed, director of Research and Documentation at the Buratai Research Center, goes further, pointing out that Africa’s lack of good governance and the prevalence of failed states make it difficult for the continent to claim a place at the decision-making table of the UNSC. He told Eagle Intelligence Report that the continent’s ongoing political instability, with conflicts in Somalia, Chad, and the Central African Republic, is evidence that Africa must first address its internal governance challenges before seeking external recognition. According to Mohammed, Africa’s inability to manage its crises internally diminishes its legitimacy in the eyes of the global powers that dominate the UNSC.

Internal Rivalries Hindering a Unified African Stance

Beyond governance challenges, Africa’s internal divisions complicate its UNSC bid. Key powers like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt have long vied for leadership roles within the continent; however, their internal and foreign policy differences have led to fragmentation. 

For instance, while Nigeria champions peacekeeping efforts, its internal security issues, ranging from ethnic tensions to Boko Haram insurgency, remain unresolved. South Africa, meanwhile, leans towards multilateral diplomacy but faces criticism for its inconsistent foreign policies, especially in its dealings with Western powers. Egypt, a regional power in the north, has its own set of priorities that are often at odds with other African nations.

Key powers like Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt have long vied for leadership roles within the continent; however, their internal and foreign policy differences have led to fragmentation

These divisions are compounded by the rivalry between these leading countries, which complicates Africa’s ability to present a united front. While President Ruto’s call for at least two permanent seats for Africa might seem reasonable, the lack of consensus regarding which nations should represent the continent adds another layer of complexity to the debate. Leadership on the continent requires consensus, not delegation. Without a shared vision among its major powers, Africa’s representation risks becoming symbolic rather than substantive.

Rafsanjani proposes a rotational system, where countries like Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya could alternate in representing Africa at the UNSC, helping to mitigate internal rivalries. He argues that this would allow Africa to demonstrate its collective power while accommodating the continent’s political and military diversity. While innovative, the proposal contrasts with the existing structure of permanent membership. A more feasible interpretation would be an internally managed rotation if Africa were to gain a permanent seat, or a longer-term semi-permanent arrangement under a continental rotation framework.

The global powers, particularly the permanent UNSC members, have shown rhetorical support for Africa’s inclusion but have not taken concrete steps to make it a reality. The reluctance of these powers to relinquish their veto power has made reform a distant dream for Africa. Analysts warn that expanding the UNSC could complicate decision-making, as seen in crises like those in Ukraine and Syria. This reluctance to reform reflects a double standard, critics argue, as Africa remains disproportionately affected by UNSC decisions but excluded from shaping them.

The Sahel Crisis as a Litmus Test for Africa’s Readiness

As the Sahel crisis continues to unfold, it has become a litmus test for Africa’s readiness to assume a permanent UNSC seat. The withdrawal of Sahel states from ECOWAS following military takeovers reflects disillusionment with both regional bodies and external influences. This, along with the continent’s continued struggles with democratic governance, has amplified doubts about Africa’s ability to manage its crises independently.

However, Rafsanjani remains adamant that Africa’s exclusion is not only unfair but immoral, pointing to the continent’s contributions to global peacekeeping as evidence that Africa deserves a seat at the table. His view is echoed by many across the continent who argue that Africa’s inclusion would not only benefit the continent but also bring much-needed diversity and representation to the global security framework. Yet, as the Sahel crisis shows, until Africa can resolve its internal divisions and address its governance challenges, its quest for a permanent UNSC seat will remain a distant hope.

The Sahel crisis shows that until Africa can resolve its internal divisions and address its governance challenges, its quest for a permanent UNSC seat will remain a distant hope

Bridging the Divide Between Aspiration and Capability

Ultimately, Africa’s push for UNSC reform is not just about political representation but about the continent’s internal coherence. Reforming the Council begins with reforming the African house. Strengthening the AU’s enforcement powers and enhancing regional cooperation are prerequisites for any credible claim to global reform. The Sahel crisis has highlighted the challenges Africa faces in managing both its political and security landscapes. 

To close the credibility gap, Africa must strengthen the AU’s enforcement powers, improve regional cooperation, and demonstrate the capacity to address conflicts from within. Only then will the world begin to take seriously Africa’s demand for a permanent seat in the UNSC. Until then, the continent will continue to face questions, not only about its right to representation but about its readiness to shoulder the responsibilities that come with it.