Egypt’s President Calls for UN Security Council Reforms to Give Africa Bigger Voice

Egypt’s President, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, has renewed calls for major reforms to the United Nations Security Council to give Africa a stronger and more meaningful role in global decision-making.

He made the call at the Russia–Africa Partnership Conference held in Cairo. The event brought together ministers from more than 50 African countries, senior African Union officials, and representatives of regional organisations. Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, was also present at the meeting.

In a statement read on his behalf by Egypt’s Foreign Minister, President el-Sissi said Africa deserves a stronger voice at the global level because of its large population, growing economy, and political importance.

He stressed that Africa should be properly represented when major global decisions are being made, especially on peace, security, and development issues.

“The voice of Africa should be present and influential in making global decisions,” el-Sissi said, adding that the continent’s human and economic strength cannot continue to be ignored.

The Egyptian leader also called for reforms in international financial institutions, saying they should be fairer and give Africa equal representation.

For years, the African Union has been pushing for changes to the UN Security Council. Since 2005, the AU has demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa, with veto power, and five non-permanent seats. African leaders argue that this will help promote peace and stability on the continent, which has suffered from conflicts for decades.

However, African countries have not yet agreed on how to choose representatives if permanent seats are granted.

Speaking at the conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia supports Africa’s call for reforms. He said African countries and their partners will continue to work together in international forums to push for changes to the UN Security Council.

Lavrov explained that the Security Council has remained unchanged since 1945, when it was formed after World War Two. Currently, it has five permanent members with veto power, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, and France, and ten non-permanent members elected for two years.

Lavrov also announced that discussions had begun on a new cooperation plan between Russia and Africa for the years 2026 to 2029. The plan will be presented at the next Russia, Africa summit scheduled for next year.

The Russia, Africa partnership has gained momentum since the 2023 summit in St. Petersburg, as Russia seeks stronger ties with African countries amid growing global tensions.