Ruto to UN: Africa deserves two permanent slots at the security council

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto is calling for more African representation at the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

As currently constituted, UN Security Council has a membership of 15 Nations; 5 permanent and 10 non permanent ones elected for two year terms by the UN General Assembly.

The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The 10 non permanent members are Albania, Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.

President Ruto wants the permanent membership slots to be increased, in order to accommodate two countries from Africa.

"Africa demands and deserves two permanent seats at the Security Council,” said Ruto.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the Pan-African Parliament Summit on Climate Policy and Equity, in South Africa.

The Head of State challenged African leaders to use the continent’s abundant green energy, so as to position itself as a green industrial hub.

He at the same time called on nations in the Global North, to relocate industries to Africa and bring to an end the use of fossil fuels.

"We have all that it takes to grow our industries and make Africa the clean, green factory of the world,” he added.

Present were South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Pan African Parliament Chief Fortune Charumbira, Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Dr. Amina Mohamed and Senate Speaker Amason Jeffa Kingi among others.