**
As Africa grapples with an unprecedented surge in armed conflicts, advocates are intensifying their campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the continent. A recent analysis by Oxfam unveils that a staggering 81 per cent of the UNSC’s resolutions over the past decade pertain to crises in Africa, highlighting a dire need for increased representation in global decision-making on peace and security.
Alarming Statistics on Conflict in Africa
The findings reveal that out of 437 resolutions passed concerning 23 of the world’s most protracted crises, 354 were directed at African nations. The data underscores the continent’s central role in global conflicts, exacerbated by factors such as weak governance, soaring inequalities, and the devastating effects of climate change. Since 2016, conflict-related violence has claimed millions of lives and displaced nearly 46 million individuals—a fourfold increase compared to a decade prior. Moreover, the United Nations estimates that approximately 120 million people across 26 African nations are currently facing hunger, with five nations—Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sudan, and South Sudan—accounting for two-thirds of the continent’s acute food insecurity.
The Need for Representation
Fati N’zi-Hassane, Oxfam’s Director for Africa, emphasised the persistent imbalance in global decision-making regarding peace and security. “Many of the world’s most deadly and protracted conflicts are taking place in Africa, yet the continent continues to be denied a permanent seat at the table,” she stated. This lack of representation hampers the development of resolutions that resonate with the actual needs of the affected populations. In 2022, 18 out of 20 UNSC resolutions concerning African conflicts authorised measures such as sanctions, peacekeeping, or military intervention, often sidelining local voices in the process.
There is a growing consensus among international leaders regarding the necessity of African representation. Figures like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and former UK Foreign Secretary David Miliband have expressed support for the inclusion of African nations in the UNSC. Potential candidates for a permanent seat have been suggested, including South Africa, Egypt, and Nigeria.
Climate Change as a Conflict Driver
Miliband recently highlighted the underappreciated role of climate change in exacerbating global conflicts. While he acknowledged that certain high-profile conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, are not directly climate-related, he pointed out that resource stress—often intensified by climate impacts—is a significant driver of violence. “It is not by accident that the majority of the 20 countries identified by the International Rescue Committee as most at risk of humanitarian crises are located on the Equator,” he stated.
His remarks underscore the urgent need for wealthier nations to offer increased support to fragile states, enabling them to bolster their climate resilience in the face of growing environmental challenges.
Why it Matters
The call for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council is not merely a matter of representation; it is a crucial step towards ensuring that resolutions reflect the realities faced by millions on the continent. As climate change continues to stress resources and contribute to conflict, it is imperative that African voices are included in global discussions. Enhanced representation could lead to more effective and contextually relevant solutions, ultimately fostering peace and stability in a region that has long borne the brunt of international neglect.
