Boakai Presses for Permanent African Seats on UN Security Council at 81st UNGA

New York, United States: President Joseph Boakai has called for major reform of the United Nations Security Council, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa with full rights and responsibilities, including veto power for as long as it remains part of the Council.

President Boakai made the call Thursday while addressing the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

He said Africa’s continued absence from the permanent membership of the Security Council is an imbalance that can no longer be sustained.

According to President Boakai, Africa accounts for nearly one-third of United Nations membership, while about 80 percent of Security Council mandates concern peace and security issues on the continent.

“While Africa remains without a single permanent seat on the organ responsible for global peace, this historical injustice is no longer tenable,” President Boakai said.

He reaffirmed Liberia’s support for the common African position on reform of the Security Council and backed calls for no fewer than two permanent African seats, along with additional non-permanent seats.

“Africa demands no fewer than two permanent seats with all accompanying rights and responsibilities, including the veto so long as it exists, as well as additional non-permanent seats,” he said.

President Boakai argued that correcting the imbalance is necessary to restore trust, credibility and legitimacy in the United Nations.

He also urged member states to move toward concrete action on Security Council reform, saying Africa’s representation should reflect its role in global peace and security.

The Liberian President’s call comes as Liberia serves as a current member of the United Nations Security Council.