The reported push to make Germany and Japan permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) should send alarm bells ringing across Africa. For decades, African nations, under the African Union (AU), have consistently demanded fair representation on the UNSC.
If the global powers move ahead with granting permanent seats to Germany and Japan without addressing Africa’s demands, it will be yet another blatant reinforcement of an unfair international system that sidelines the voices of 1.4 billion Africans.
The current structure of the UNSC is a relic of the post-World War II era, with power concentrated in the hands of five permanent members (P5)—the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom. These nations shaped the global order at a time when Africa was still under colonial rule.
The exclusion of Africa from the Security Council’s permanent membership has, for decades, ensured that the continent remains a subject of global decision-making rather than an active participant in shaping world affairs.
Despite making significant contributions to international peacekeeping efforts, Africa remains without a permanent voice at the highest table of global security governance. Any discussions about reforming the UNSC should begin with rectifying this historical injustice by ensuring African representation before considering additional seats for already powerful nations like
Africa is home to 54 countries—nearly a third of the UN’s membership. It is a continent rich in natural resources and plays a crucial role in the global economy.
Additionally, many of the world’s most pressing security challenges—conflicts, terrorism, climate-induced instability—are deeply connected to Africa. Yet, Africa remains locked out of the core decision-making processes that directly impact its security and economic future.
The AU, through the Ezulwini Consensus, has repeatedly called for at least two permanent seats with full veto powers for African states. If the world is serious about equity in global governance, these demands must be honored before entertaining the idea of adding more seats for developed nations.
Proponents of Germany and Japan’s inclusion argue that these nations contribute heavily to the UN financially and have demonstrated strong diplomatic and economic influence. However, granting them permanent seats does not fundamentally reform the UNSC—it simply strengthens the status quo.
Instead of making the UNSC more representative, it would reinforce Western-aligned dominance while keeping Africa on the periphery.
Furthermore, Germany and Japan already have significant global influence through their memberships in powerful international blocs like the G7, G20, and NATO (Germany) or close security alliances with the U.S. (Japan). Africa, by contrast, lacks such privileged representation in major global decision-making structures.
What Africa Must Do to Resist This Push
Unite Under the AU: African nations must close ranks and ensure that no individual country breaks ranks to support Germany and Japan’s bid without securing African representation first.
Leverage Global Alliances: Africa should work closely with emerging powers like India and Brazil, who are also demanding UNSC reform, to push for a more equitable global governance system.
Use Economic Influence: Africa’s vast natural resources, growing markets, and strategic partnerships should be used as bargaining tools to demand a seat at the table.
Demand Real Reform, Not Just Expansion: Africa must insist that any expansion of the UNSC includes African permanent members with veto power, not just an increase in non-permanent seats.
Allowing Germany and Japan to become permanent UNSC members without addressing Africa’s rightful claim would be a severe setback for the continent.
The AU and African leaders must resist this push with firm diplomacy, strategic alliances, and economic leverage.
If the world is to move toward a fairer, more representative international system, Africa must no longer be ignored. It is time to correct the historical wrongs and ensure that Africa has a seat at the table—not just as an observer, but as a full participant in shaping the world’s future.
The author is a Pan Africanist
