The United States is expected to announce its support for adding two permanent seats for African nations on the United Nations Security Council, along with a rotating seat for small island developing states. This move is part of the U.S.’s strategy to strengthen relations with Africa, which has expressed dissatisfaction with Washington’s stance on the Gaza conflict, and to build deeper ties with Pacific Island nations in response to China’s growing influence in the region.
The proposal is seen as a step toward advancing reforms within the Security Council, aligning with President Joe Biden’s vision of reshaping global governance. In addition to Africa, the U.S. continues its support for permanent seats for India, Japan, and Germany.
However, despite developing countries’ long-standing calls for permanent representation, reform efforts have largely been unsuccessful, leaving uncertainty about whether U.S. backing will lead to real change.
Ahead of the formal announcement, U.S. officials clarified that while they support expanding the council’s membership, they are not in favor of extending veto powers beyond the current five permanent members: the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K.
The Security Council, initially composed of 11 members in 1945, expanded to 15 in 1965. It is responsible for maintaining international peace, with the authority to impose sanctions, enforce arms embargoes, and authorize the use of force.
Calls for Security Council Overhaul Intensify
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for significant reforms to the Security Council, citing its outdated structure and ongoing issues with legitimacy and effectiveness. Guterres highlighted that the current council reflects the post-World War II geopolitical landscape and needs to be updated to address modern challenges.
To implement changes, amendments to the U.N. Charter are required, which need approval from two-thirds of the General Assembly members, including the five permanent members with veto power.
The General Assembly has been discussing Security Council reform for over a decade, but recent global tensions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have underscored the council’s limitations and increased calls for reform.
In an upcoming announcement, the U.S. will express support for moving forward with a proposal to amend the U.N. Charter to expand the Security Council. The timing for a vote by the General Assembly on this proposal is still uncertain.
Currently, five non-permanent members are elected annually for two-year terms, with three of these seats rotating among African nations. However, these positions do not allow African countries to fully leverage their expertise and leadership on the Security Council.
The U.S. will also push for a rotating seat for small island developing states, noting their crucial role in addressing international security issues, including the effects of climate change.