African leaders demand permanent UN Security Council seats and AI decision-making role

African leaders at the UN General Assembly are demanding permanent Security Council seats for the continent, arguing current representation is unjust and undermines the body's credibility amid global conflicts. The 15-member council has five permanent veto-wielding members, while Africa holds only three rotating nonpermanent seats. Leaders like Kenya's President Ruto and Ethiopia's President Selassie highlighted the exclusion of 1.6 billion Africans, with Liberia's Boakai calling the imbalance a "historical injustice." They also seek inclusion in AI and critical minerals decision-making. Botswana's President Boko stressed developing nations need a voice in setting technology standards. The African Union's 2005 position demands at least two permanent seats, with Somalia's president framing reform as essential for the UN's legitimacy.