African leaders demand permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa

African leaders at the UN General Assembly are demanding permanent Security Council seats for African nations, seeking direct involvement in global decisions rather than remaining observers. The reform push is a central theme at this year's meeting. The 15-member council has five permanent veto-wielding members, while Africa holds only three rotating nonpermanent seats. Leaders argue this undermines the UN's credibility, citing conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, and note the U.S. pledged support for two African seats in 2024. Leaders also link the issue to AI governance, urging inclusion for developing nations that supply critical minerals. The African Union's 2005 position demands at least two permanent seats, with Namibia's president stressing negotiations have gone on too long.