UN Chief Guterres Supports Algeria’s Call for Reform in Security Council Membership

After persistent efforts from Algeria at the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has embraced an Algerian call for reforms, particularly the demand for allocating two permanent seats for Africa in the Security Council. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to address historical injustices against Africa, which has long been underrepresented within the UN’s primary decision-making body. Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf has already emphasized that this change is crucial for restoring the credibility of both the Security Council and the United Nations.

In a high-level debate on “Leadership for Peace,” Attaf outlined key areas for reform, urging greater participation from elected members and stressing the importance of democratizing the Council’s operations. He called for holding countries accountable for disregarding Security Council resolutions and promoting a more collaborative relationship between the UN’s main bodies, including the General Assembly. Attaf also highlighted the UN’s weakening role in global diplomacy and the growing number of unresolved crises, with a particular focus on the ongoing violence in Gaza, where the international community has failed to act decisively.

Guterres, speaking alongside African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa, echoed Algeria’s calls, stressing the need for Security Council reform that includes two permanent African members. This aligns with broader UN-African Union cooperation efforts aimed at conflict prevention and peacebuilding across the continent. The UN chief highlighted the consensus among member states on the importance of reform, expressing hope that the conditions are now favorable for delivering long-overdue justice to African nations.