Three African leaders demand permanent UN Security Council seats

In Nairobi, Kenya, three prominent African leaders, Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar, participated in a debate advocating for the leadership of the African Union. This two-hour discussion took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, recently, as they outline their strategies to address significant challenges such as regional security, political instability, and the need for enhanced intra-African trade. Each candidate emphasized the urgency of strengthening Africa's presence at the United Nations Security Council by securing two permanent seats with veto power, asserting that such representation is crucial given the continent's demographic uniqueness and potential. The candidates asserted that Africa, which houses the youngest population globally with over 1.3 billion people expected to double by 2050, deserves a more significant voice in global governance. Raila Odinga highlighted that having permanent seats in the UNSC is not only fair but essential for effective representation. Furthermore, Richard Randriamandrato echoed this sentiment, calling for unity among African nations to collectively advocate for their place in international forums, emphasizing that a singular, unified approach is necessary. The debate also scrutinized the existing regional security threats, pointing to the five member states expelled from the African Union due to coups and conflicts. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf called for the establishment of a robust regional standby force, urging member states to lessen their dependence on foreign interventions and resources. He stressed that internal cohesion among nations is vital for maintaining peace and stability. Youssouf also proposed financial frameworks to facilitate trade, such as a compensation system for countries trading in different currencies. The candidates expressed their commitment to pursuing proposed reforms within the African Union, aimed at improving its structure and leadership capabilities. These reforms are critical for addressing funding challenges that jeopardize essential initiatives within the union. Overall, the candidates recognized that support for reform is necessary not only for operational efficiency but also to ensure the African Union plays a pivotal role in fostering regional stability and economic growth in member states.