On September 14, 2005, when former Chinese President Hu Jintao addressed the 60th United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Summit in New York, he ignited a conversation that has yet to be resolved, though it has gained increasing momentum in recent years.
“Developing countries, which make up more than two-thirds of UN membership, are clearly underrepresented in the Security Council. China supports an expanded Security Council based on broad consensus, with greater representation for developing countries, especially African nations. This would provide more countries, particularly smaller and medium-sized states, with better access to decision-making,” Hu declared.
Hu’s call for Africa to receive a permanent seat on the UNSC was part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen its ties with Africa — a continent that played a pivotal role in China’s return to the UNSC.
At the same time, this move helped Beijing increase its influence in Africa,especially as Western nations largely turned their backs on the continent’s challenges, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
The relationship between China and Africa is built on decades of mutual support, evolving into a strategic partnership during the Ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing last year.
This partnership dates back to the 1970s when China sought African backing for its UN membership, and it has grown substantially over the years, driven by initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which fosters mutual economic growth.
China’s partnership with Africa is rooted in a long history of diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Over the last 35 years, China has made an annual tradition of strengthening its ties with African nations, reaffirming its commitment to the continent, despite global challenges. These visits underscore China’s enduring role as a trusted partner, committed to Africa’s development.
Initially, the idea of a permanent African seat at the UNSC faced resistance from former colonial powers, whose historical legacy includes the transatlantic slave trade.
However, recent UN and World Bank statistics demonstrate the future of global trade lies in Africa.
As such, key global players have started embracing China’s proposal, recognising the growing importance of the continent.
It is unfair for Africa to continue to be sidelined in global decision-making processes, especially considering the continent’s significant challenges — ranging from political instability and terrorism to human rights crises.
It no longer makes sense for external powers to make decisions about Africa’s future without African voices at the table.
During the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged the historical injustice of Africa’s lack of permanent representation at the UNSC and committed to work with African nations to change this.
However, the key question remains whether the global powers of the Northern Hemisphere — particularly those who have historically resisted such a move — will be willing to accept the proposal.
Their reluctance is rooted in fears that a permanent African seat would empower the continent to demand justice for the legacy of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.
“Africa was under colonial domination when today’s multilateral system was created — and that injustice endures,” Guterres said.
“Look no further than the United Nations Security Council. There is no excuse for Africa still lacking permanent representation in the 21st century. I will keep working with the African Union and all member states to ensure the representation Africa needs and the justice it deserves — including two permanent members of the Security Council.”
As the world grapples with unprecedented challenges — such as the aftermath of Covid-19 and the escalating climate crisis — Africa continues to confront its own pressing issues.
While the international community gives significant attention to conflicts such as the Moscow-Kyiv war and the Gaza crisis, the crises in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and the Sahel region remain underreported and under-addressed.
If the world were to support China’s proposal to give Africa a permanent UNSC seat with veto power, the continent could finally address its own issues more effectively.
Despite the UNSC’s mandate to maintain international peace and security, Sudan is enduring the world’s largest displacement crisis and famine.
In the DRC, violence continues to ravage the population, and the ongoing M23 offensive in South Kivu threatens to destabilise the entire region. In the Sahel, terrorism is undermining peace, security and sustainable development.
These are crises that need urgent attention, yet they remain largely ignored by the international community. The global powers of the North often intervene in global conflicts when it serves their strategic interests.
This is why the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have drawn more attention and resources from the US than the crises unfolding across Africa.
If Africa were a permanent member of the UNSC, however, the story could be very different. For decades, the US has supported India, Japan, and Germany for permanent seats on the council, leaving Africa isolated in its bid for representation. But China’s continued push for Africa’s seat has made a breakthrough.
Last year, for the first time, the US, through Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, publicly supported the creation of two permanent UNSC seats for African nations, along with a rotating seat for small island developing states.
China’s unwavering support for Africa’s interests at international organisations underscores its commitment to strengthening ties with the continent and aligning with African perspectives on global issues.
A study by the International Crisis Group revealed that between 2000 and 2020, China supported African countries in 82 per cent of cases in which they voted together on resolutions.
The question now is whether the world will heed Hu Jintao’s call from two decades ago
