For nearly two decades, China has championed Africa’s inclusion in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for permanent representation to correct a historical injustice. Former Chinese President Hu Jintao’s speech at the 2005 UNSC Summit in New York laid the foundation for this push, emphasizing the need for greater representation of developing countries, particularly African nations.
China’s strategic partnership with Africa has grown significantly since the 1970s, when Beijing sought African support for its return to the UN. Over the years, initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative have further solidified this relationship, positioning China as Africa’s most consistent ally in the fight for global influence. This longstanding cooperation has now translated into a concerted effort to secure Africa a permanent seat at the UNSC.
Resistance from former colonial powers initially hindered the progress of this proposal. However, shifting global dynamics and Africa’s rising economic and geopolitical significance have increased support for China’s stance. Recent UN and World Bank statistics indicate Africa’s growing role in global trade, further underscoring the need for its representation in decision-making bodies.
The 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa saw UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledge the historical injustice of Africa’s exclusion from the UNSC. He pledged to work with African nations to address this imbalance, recognizing that Africa’s exclusion is a lingering vestige of colonialism. However, opposition from Northern Hemisphere powers remains, driven by concerns that a permanent African seat could embolden calls for justice related to colonial history and the transatlantic slave trade.
Despite these challenges, China’s persistence has yielded progress. For the first time, the U.S. has publicly endorsed the idea of two permanent African seats in the UNSC, a move signaling a potential breakthrough. As Africa continues to grapple with underreported conflicts and crises, a permanent seat at the UNSC could ensure the continent’s voice is heard in global security decisions. Whether the world finally heeds China’s call remains to be seen, but momentum for change is undeniably growing.
