U.S. Push for Permanent African Seats in UN Security Council

The United States advocates for two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and one rotating seat for small island developing states. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, aims to advance Security Council reform, part of President Biden's legacy, to better represent developing nations.

The United States is calling for the establishment of two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and a rotating seat for small island developing states. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, will make the announcement on Thursday.

This initiative aligns with the U.S.'s efforts to mend relations with Africa, amid dissatisfaction over Washington's position on Israel's war in Gaza, and to strengthen ties with Pacific Island nations in countering China's influence. Thomas-Greenfield hopes this move will expedite Security Council reform, a component of President Biden's legacy.

In addition to advocating for permanent seats for India, Japan, and Germany, the U.S. supports the removal of veto power expansion and remains committed to maintaining the existing permanent and rotating member structure. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also endorsed the need for Security Council reform, citing its legitimacy and effectiveness issues. However, any changes would require ratification from two-thirds of the General Assembly, including current veto-wielding nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)