The United States has proposed granting two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council to African nations, as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening its ties with both Africa and Pacific Island countries. These regions are becoming increasingly important in global geopolitics.
According to Reuters, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield, is expected to formally unveil this proposal during a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Thursday. The move is also seen as a strategic effort by the U.S. to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Pacific, where many island nations hold key geopolitical importance.
The proposal specifically includes two permanent seats for African nations, responding to long-standing demands from developing countries for greater representation within the Security Council, which is widely regarded as the most powerful diplomatic body in the world. Additionally, the plan introduces a rotating seat for small island states, acknowledging their unique challenges and significance in global affairs.
However, while the U.S. supports expanding the council, it remains opposed to extending veto powers to any new members. This reflects Washington’s cautious stance on reforming the council’s structure, which currently consists of 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power: Russia, China, the U.S., Britain, and France.
Reuters also reports that Thomas-Greenfield hopes this proposal will advance discussions on Security Council reform, framing it as part of President Joe Biden’s broader diplomatic legacy. The reforms aim to address global calls for a more equitable and representative international body focused on maintaining global peace and security.
