Lamola reiterates govt’s call for greater representation of African countries on UN Security Council
At this stage, no African nation has the authority to make important decisions concerning security matters within the council.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola during a briefing on 12 August 2024. Picture: @DIRCO_ZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola has reiterated government's call for greater representation of African countries in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The minister was speaking on the sidelines of an engagement with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in Pretoria on Monday.
The UNSC is tasked with maintaining global peace and security, with only five countries holding veto power.
Lamola met with the Mohammed to discuss, among other things, the war in the Middle East and other pressing matters of global interest.
The inclusion of African leadership in the Security Council is an ongoing call, as the UN states that 60% of issues discussed in the council involve the continent.
At this stage, no African nation has the authority to make important decisions concerning security matters within the council.
Lamola said that providing African countries with veto power in the UNSC should be a top priority.
"It should definitely happen, the transformation with regards to the Security Council in terms of Africa’s representation."
Mohammed said that although there would be increased representation of Africans on the Security Council, granting veto power remained a contentious issue.