By OPCS Press Service in Algiers

Kenya has called for a united voice in propagating for Africa’s common position on the reforms of the United Nations Security Council.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said Africa must seize the current opportunity to galvanize political support for an expeditious Security Council reform that prioritizes the continent’s representation in the council.

Mudavadi said the reform process must recognize that Africa be treated as an exceptional and priority case.

“Africa’s non-representation in the permanent category and under-representation in the non-permanent category, in the organ of the United Nations that is entrusted with the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, is a historical injustice that needs urgent redress.” pointed out Mudavadi.

“As a region, we must unite; we must be ready and we must be open to pragmatically and strategically consider all approaches, as long as they do not compromise on the central tenets of the Common African Position (CAP)”. he added.

Mudavadi, also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs was speaking during the 11th ministerial meeting of the Committee of Ten (C-10) of the African Union on the reforms of the United Nations Security Council underway in Algiers, Algeria.

He said the 11th Ministerial Meeting is timely and particularly significant in the lead up to the September United Nations Summit of the Future.

Mudavadi said in the view of the rapidly evolving international security realities, and the multiple failures of the Security Council to take action, where decisive action has been urgently required Africa has to stand out and be counted.

Today, I had the privilege of addressing the 11th Ministerial meeting of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) in Algiers, Algeria. Foreign Affairs Ministers from Member States unanimously agreed to continue advocating for fair representation of Africa in the United Nations… pic.twitter.com/4B1jxAD7mL

— Musalia W Mudavadi (@MusaliaMudavadi) June 10, 2024

“As Africa intensifies her engagement with other Member States, interest groups, and regional groups, we must ensure that the presentation of the Common African Position on the reform model is underpinned by an in-depth appreciation of the historical and political contexts then and now.” he said.

Adding that “This comprehensive and nuanced approach of engagement must also be driven by the conviction and exemplification that Africa’s permanent presence and effective representation in the UN Security Council will undoubtedly better position the multilateral system to deal with the current and future peace and security challenges.”

Mudavadi who is leading the Kenyan delegation at the C-10 meeting, underscored the valuable insights presented by the New York Permanent Representatives, whom he said have provided direction on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on the UN Security Council reforms.

He said their expertise and commitment remain instrumental in advancing Africa’s position and fostering a more informed and strategic approach to the reform process.

“As a continent, and the only region with a united position, it is imperative that we progress the Intergovernmental Negotiations process in a way that solidifies the Common African Position (CAP) and support from other Member States.” he noted.

“Identification of challenges and the leveraging of areas of commonalities with other groupings must remain key.” added Mudavadi in his address to the committee of ten.

Mudavadi said there is need to address the elements of divergence and whereas the complex interplay of national and regional interests militates against a much-needed consensus, Africa must accelerate the momentum to ensure the negotiation process does not stagnate.

“On one hand, we see a notable convergence among Member States on the fundamental need for reform including a broad-based recognition that the current structure of the Security Council does not adequately reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. There is also agreement on the need to correct the historical injustice with regard to the representation of Africa and invariably that of underrepresented regions.” pointed out Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said advocating for Africa’s Common Position, will offer reasonable and practical proposals for not only addressing historical injustices; but also creates a representative, democratic, accountable, and effective global security governance system that accommodates the aspirations of all nations, and aims to protect their sovereignty, resources, and lives.

“Currently, we have two C-10 Members in the Security Council – Algeria and Sierra Leone, working together with the other African Member States, must focus on strengthening Africa’s bargaining power, especially through key messaging and meetings.” he noted.

Mudavadi in his address, mentioned that Africa will now be leveraging on the September United Nations Summit of the Future to galvanize political support for an expeditious Security Council reform.

Member States of the Committee of Ten include Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Zambia, the Republic of Congo, and Algeria.