Omanghana
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for an overhaul of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that its structure no longer reflects the world it is meant to serve.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s address on Tinubu’s behalf at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24. Tinubu said a system shaped by the balance of power in 1945 must give countries that were excluded from its founding a stronger voice in decisions on international peace and security.
Nigeria’s position follows the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, which call for at least two permanent Security Council seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa. The AU opposes the veto in principle but says that, for as long as it exists, any new African permanent members should have the same right to use it.
Tinubu also put forward Nigeria’s case for a permanent seat, pointing to its record in peacekeeping and regional diplomacy. His appeal comes as African leaders continue to argue that the continent should have a greater say in Council decisions concerning conflicts within Africa.
The address extended beyond Security Council reform. Tinubu urged changes to the international financial system to give developing countries a fairer role in economic decisions and called for stronger climate financing for nations facing severe impacts despite contributing relatively little to global emissions. Nigeria also appealed for an end to hostilities in current conflicts and renewed respect for the UN Charter and diplomacy.
Source: Omanghana
