UNGA 80: President Ruto Demands Africa’s Seat at the UN Security Council

President William Ruto has strongly criticized Africa’s past omission from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a “historic injustice” that must be addressed if the UN is to continue to be meaningful and deserving of its purpose.

While giving his speech during the (UNGA 80) : 80th United Nations General Assembly at the 7th Committee of Ten Heads of States and Governments Summit on UN Security Council Reform, in New York and sponsored by Sierra Leone, Ruto underscored particularly the necessity of Africa being fairly represented.

“African leaders must amplify Africa’s voice across all platforms, unite behind fair representation, and defend the Common African Position. Kenya will fully support this so Africa’s demands are no longer deferred.Having Africa excluded from the UN Security Council is unacceptable and unjustifiable. We must correct this historical wrong to make the UN fit for purpose,” he shared.

Ruto urged the African leaders to resound the voice of the continent across the world, stand by the Common African Position, and ensure Africa’s demands for representation are no longer placed on hold. He also stressed that Africa should be ready to take on the burden of permanent membership, like agreeing to a fair procedure of selecting its members.

Kenya, he vowed, will embrace with open arms these reforms and continue demanding a rightful role for Africa at the UN Security Council.

President William Ruto joins other delegates during UNGA 80

The demand for African representation is consistent with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which demand two permanent seats with vetoes and five non-permanent seats for Africa. Ruto’s remarks also highlight a new consensus that without the reform of the Security Council, the Council will become illegitimate as a decision-making organ that decides peace, security, and development for the world.

This call for reform comes prior to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) in progress. The session will begin formally on 9 September 2025, with the General Debate scheduled for high-level length of 23 to 27 September and concluding on 29 September. Besides debate, there are several high-level events that will set the agenda for the discussions.

President William Ruto engages with other delegates during UNGA 80

What’s in Store at UNGA 80?

On the 22nd of September, the SDG Moment will showcase inspiring global and national efforts toward the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating how changes for everyone can drive progress even in the face of global challenges.

The following day, the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2025 will gather business leaders, government, civil society, and the UN to hear about how the private sector is advancing the SDGs. On September 24, the UN Secretary-General will host a Climate Summit, at which world leaders will unveil new national climate action plans and emphasize opportunities unleashed by the transition to clean energy.

In the context of global negotiations on sustainable development, action on climate, and peace, Africa’s cry for a place at the Security Council table resonates ever more loudly. Ruto’s message heightens the continent’s determination that it must claim its rightful place in shaping the future of global governance.