Tinubu Urges UN Security Council Reform For African Representation At TICAD9.
President Bola Tinubu has called for significant reforms to the United Nations Security Council, advocating for Africa to secure two permanent seats with full privileges. Speaking at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, on Wednesday, the Nigerian leader stressed that the continent’s quest for equitable representation is both just and overdue. He also argued for additional non-permanent seats, aligning with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, which reflect Africa’s long-standing position on global governance reform.
Addressing the plenary session on peace and stability, Tinubu emphasised that granting Africa two permanent seats, including veto powers, is a matter of historical justice. “It is Nigeria’s view that Africa’s demand for fair representation in the UN Security Council is a legitimate and fair aspiration,” he said. “Africa deserves two seats in the permanent category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the right of veto.” He further underscored the need for additional non-permanent seats to enhance the continent’s voice in global decision-making.
Beyond the call for UN reform, Tinubu praised the Nigerian armed forces for their recent successes in combating insurgency and criminality, describing their efforts as a foundation for national development. However, he cautioned that military victories alone cannot ensure lasting peace without addressing underlying issues such as poverty, inequality, and exclusion. Highlighting recent peace agreements in the Congo, Tinubu advocated for innovative approaches to peace-building, combining mediation with economic investment to achieve sustainable outcomes.
The Nigerian president also acknowledged Japan’s commitment to African development, noting Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s pledge of $5.5 billion in support, to be disbursed in collaboration with the African Development Bank through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Tinubu urged for market-driven partnerships rather than traditional aid models, calling for deeper cooperation to foster economic transformation and stability across the continent.
Tinubu’s remarks come as part of Nigeria’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen ties with Japan and other African nations. The TICAD9 conference, themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa,” focuses on economic transformation, private investment, and sustainable development. The triennial event, co-hosted by the United Nations, UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank, provides a platform for African leaders to engage with global partners on critical issues.
The call for UN Security Council reform has garnered support from some permanent members, with the United States recently endorsing two permanent seats for African nations, though without veto powers. Tinubu’s advocacy reflects Nigeria’s ambition to lead the charge for Africa’s inclusion in global governance, reinforcing its position as a key player on the continent.