African leaders demand permanent UN Security Council seats

African leaders at the UN General Assembly are demanding permanent Security Council seats for the continent, decrying their lack of representation in decisions on global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. The 15-member council has five permanent veto-wielding members, while Africa holds only three rotating nonpermanent seats. Leaders argue this undermines UN credibility, citing Africa's 1.6 billion people and the US's 2024 pledge to add two permanent African seats. Leaders also seek inclusion in AI and critical minerals governance, with Botswana's president urging developing nations to help set technology standards. Somalia's president framed reform as essential to protect the UN's legitimacy and responsiveness.