U.S. Pushes for Expanded U.N. Security Council Seats for Africa and Small Island States

The U.S. proposes adding two permanent U.N. Security Council seats for African states and one rotating seat for small island developing states. This initiative aims to make the council more inclusive and representative, addressing longstanding calls for change. The move follows U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with Africa and Pacific Island nations.

The United States is advocating for the establishment of two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African countries and one rotating seat for small island developing states, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced Thursday. This initiative is part of a broader U.S. strategy to mend relations with Africa, a continent where dissatisfaction with Washington's support for Israel's conflict in Gaza persists, and to enhance engagement with Pacific Island nations critical for countering China's influence.

'For years, countries have been calling for a more inclusive and representative council, one that mirrors the demographics of today's world and better addresses contemporary challenges,' Thomas-Greenfield told the Council on Foreign Relations. Alongside this push for new seats for Africa and small island states, Washington continues to support permanent seats for India, Japan, and Germany.

The U.S. also backs permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean, though specific details remain unspecified. While developing nations have long sought permanent Security Council seats, past discussions have been unproductive, raising questions about the feasibility of U.S. support translating into concrete actions. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized that the U.S. does not favor expanding veto power beyond the current five countries that possess it.

(With inputs from agencies.)