United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Kenya on Monday, May 11, 2026, as the African continent advocates for permanent representation on the UN Security Council.
Mr. Guterres will accompany President William Ruto at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) on Monday to mark the start of construction for a new conference facility and the opening of modern office buildings, substantially increasing the UN’s presence in Africa.
The visit occurs as Kenya has reiterated its call for a more inclusive, representative, and equitable United Nations.
During a New Year Diplomatic Briefing at State House in Nairobi on February 9, 2026, President William Ruto emphasized Africa’s persistent demand for Security Council reforms, stating that the continent’s exclusion from permanent membership diminishes the UN’s credibility and effectiveness.
‘Africa’s ongoing exclusion, despite handling a substantial portion of the Security Council’s agenda and peacekeeping duties, compromises the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations,’ Ruto stated in remarks to ambassadors, high commissioners, and heads of international organizations based in Kenya.
Concurrently, African leaders from various nations addressed the UN General Assembly on September 25, 2025, advocating for a restructuring of the ‘outdated’ UN system and demanding permanent seats with veto power on the Security Council.
‘The UN founding charter is antiquated regarding representation. The dominant post-World War II nations continue to receive nearly absolute authority over the rest of the world,’ stated Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama to world leaders and diplomats at the UNGA.
Africa’s campaign for Security Council representation continued on June 4, 2025, with the 13th Ministerial Meeting of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10) held in Zambia.
The Lusaka meeting centered on the Common African Position (CAP), which seeks to obtain at least two permanent and five rotational seats for Africa on the council.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema noted that Africa’s minimal representation on the council substantially restricts the African Union’s ability to resolve conflicts and maintain peace.
‘This is particularly evident given the continent’s growing conflicts and the evolving global geopolitical and economic environment. African nations must remain united and engaged with other stakeholders, especially the five permanent Security Council members,’ Hichilema stated.
Furthermore, Zambia’s Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe highlighted that Africa is the sole continent without permanent Security Council representation, ‘a significant historical anomaly that sparked the continent’s call for council reform.’
UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang indicated that Africa has been requested to outline its approach to advocating for permanent council representation.
‘This model will contribute to discussions regarding Africa’s pursuit of permanent council membership, addressing historical injustices stemming from colonialism and dispossession,’ Yang observed in comments delivered by his office director, Ivor Fung.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, represented by Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) head Bankole Adeoye, stated that the continent’s push for permanent council representation aligns with initiatives to preserve peace and security.
This article was originally published by Radio47.