Africa renews call for UN Security Council reform at Heads of State and Government meeting in Lusaka

The 13th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C10) on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council officially opened in Lusaka today, with a strong and unified call for urgent and equitable reforms to the UN Security Council.

Delegates convened to reaffirm Africa’s common position and to strategize on advancing the continent’s quest for fair representation.

President Hakainde Hichilema, who was represented by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma, officiated the opening session.

According to a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation spokesperson Eva Chanda, President Hichilema reiterated Zambia’s unwavering support for the Common African Position.

He emphasized that Africa remained without permanent representation on the UN Security Council despite being the subject of more than 60 percent of the Council’s agenda items — a situation he described as a “major historical injustice” that must be urgently addressed.

“I also wish to acknowledge the leadership of His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, current Coordinator of the C10, for steering the reform agenda,” President Hichilema stated.

He called on African nations to maintain unity and intensify engagement with global stakeholders, particularly the five permanent members (P5) of the Security Council, in order to rally support for Africa’s demands as articulated in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

Similarly, Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe, described the absence of permanent African representation on the Security Council as a clear anomaly.

He noted that the African Union’s 2025 theme — “Justice for Africa” — added momentum to the reform campaign and urged C10 Ministers to develop actionable recommendations to advance the process.

Also speaking at the meeting, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, stressed the importance of African ownership in the efforts to reform the UN Security Council.

Timothy Kabba, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, noted that the 2024 “Pact for the Future,” adopted by the UN General Assembly, had provided renewed impetus for Africa’s demand for equal representation, galvanising global support to address historic injustices.

Philemon Yang, President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, said that enhancing representation remained a critical element of Security Council reform and pledged support to the C10 in its ongoing advocacy.

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