Kuwait urges UNSC reform, advocates equitable representation for Africa
Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E. Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai, emphasized the imperative of accelerating UN Security Council reform to achieve equitable geographical representation, rectify historical imbalances, and enhance the Council’s effectiveness in maintaining international peace and security.
According to a press statement issued by the Permanent Mission of the State of Kuwait to the UN, Ambassador Al-Bannai delivered the remarks in his capacity as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council Reform during the 14th ministerial meeting of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), held in Tripoli, Libya.
The meeting was co-hosted by Sierra Leone and Libya, alongside IGN Co-Chair Ambassador Lise Gregoire-van Haaren, Permanent Representative of the Netherlands to the UN. Ambassador Al-Bannai underscored the urgent need to address the historical injustice against Africa regarding its lack of permanent membership and under-representation in the non-permanent category.
He voiced support for the African position outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, which demands at least two permanent seats with full privileges, including veto rights if maintained, and five non-permanent seats allocated to the continent.
Highlighting potential compromise tracks, Al-Bannai noted the emergence of a “fixed regional seats” model proposing six to seven additional seats distributed regionally. Occupying states would be elected by the General Assembly for extended, renewable terms, bringing total Council membership to 21 or 22 while incorporating periodic performance reviews.
While acknowledging ongoing fundamental divisions among UN member states regarding expansion parameters, Ambassador Al-Bannai stressed that the Pact for the Future has revitalized political momentum. He urged all negotiating parties to demonstrate flexibility and build consensus to ensure a responsive, legitimate, and effective Security Council.
— KUNA
