In a recent interview with TRT World, Ovigwe Eguegu, Policy Advisor at Development Reimagined, emphasized the urgent need for greater African representation within the United Nations, particularly on the Security Council. He believes the current global order does not reflect the realities of today’s world, and Africa continues to pay the price.
Eguegu highlights a striking paradox. Africa contributes a significant portion of the UN’s peacekeeping troops and hosts many of its missions, yet it remains sidelined in the Council chambers where decisions are made. According to him, this disconnect has shaped conflict resolution strategies that often miss the mark. When African perspectives are not adequately considered, interventions risk leaving behind fragile settlements or even worsening tensions.
For Eguegu, reform is not simply about fairness but about effectiveness. He stresses that a Security Council with African voices at the table would be better positioned to design peacekeeping operations, sanctions regimes, and conflict prevention strategies that are context-specific and sustainable.
He also situates the case for reform in Africa’s broader global role. The continent is home to 1.4 billion people with a youthful, dynamic population and vast economic potential. It also holds resources that are critical for the global energy transition. Yet, as Eguegu notes, the Security Council still reflects the power dynamics of 1945 and remains dominated by the permanent five members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. In his words, the world has changed and the Council should change too.
Eguegu often references the Ezulwini Consensus, the African Union’s long-standing demand for at least two permanent seats with veto powers and five additional non-permanent seats. In his view, this is not about symbolic inclusion but about making global governance more legitimate and more effective.
Ultimately, Eguegu’s message is clear. Africa cannot continue to shoulder responsibility for international peace and security while being denied a decisive voice in shaping the rules. To build a United Nations that reflects the 21st century, Africa must move from being a participant to a decision-maker.