African leaders renew push for permanent U.N. Security Council seats

African leaders at the U.N. General Assembly are renewing demands for permanent Security Council seats, arguing the continent lacks fair representation in global decision-making on war and peace. Leaders cited conflicts including Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas, and the U.S.-Iran war as urgent reasons for reform. They noted Africa holds only three rotating nonpermanent seats, while five nations hold permanent veto power, undermining U.N. credibility and equality. The African Union’s 2005 position seeks at least two permanent seats. The U.S. under Joe Biden backed this in 2024, but leaders also urged inclusion in AI governance and critical minerals discussions.