NAIROBI – Namibia has intensified once again and doubled down on its calls for urgent United Nations Security Council reforms.
Namibia is unequivocal that Africa can no longer remain excluded from permanent representation while global tensions continue to rise.
This position was ventilated by Namibia’s chief diplomat, trade and international relations minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi during an interview with New Era, shortly after attending a ministerial meeting on peace and security with foreign ministers and the African Union Council Security Council. It was held on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday.
The meeting, co-hosted by Kenya and France, brought together African foreign ministers and international partners to discuss reforms of the UN system and Africa’s demand for stronger representation in global decision-making structures.
“It was a well-attended meeting. I think their attendance is informed by the current tension that we face globally,” she said.
Namibia attended the meeting as part of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council, commonly known as the ‘C10’, which is championing Africa’s common position on reform.
Ashipala-Musavyi said Namibia used the platform to reaffirm Africa’s longstanding demand for two permanent seats on the Security Council, together with additional non-permanent seats.
“Namibia, as a member of the C-10, reiterated our support for the work of the C-10, as well as for the common position of Africa,” she said.
The minister continued: “It is demanded for the two permanent seats of the UN Security Council and four and five non-permanent seats, as well as the abolition of the veto. And should the veto not be abolished, then it should be extended to all the other members”.
Ashipala-Musavyi stressed that Africa’s position is rooted in fairness and equal participation in international governance, especially as African countries are often directly affected by Security Council decisions.
She added that the permanent members of the Security Council carry a major responsibility in ensuring meaningful reform becomes possible.
“We also alluded to and emphasised the special role of the permanent members of the Security Council in the reform process, so a lot really hinges on their support for the UN Security Council reform,” she explained.
However, Namibia argued that discussions should not stop with the Security Council alone. Ashipala-Musavyi said the entire United Nations system must evolve to better respond to present-day realities.
“What Namibia put on the table is that, as we consider UN Security Council reform, we should also remember that the entire UN system needs to be reformed. Reform of the UN General Assembly is necessary,” she said.
According to the seasoned diplomat, the Nairobi discussions also highlighted the importance of African unity ahead of the election of the next United Nations secretary general.
Ashipala-Musavyi said African countries should begin consultations early to ensure the continent speaks with one voice.
“What we decided now is to continue to advocate for a common position, but Africa should also come together for us to have a discussion on the soon-to-be-held election of the next secretary general of the UN,” she said.
The meeting formed part of broader discussions at the Africa Forward Summit, where leaders are focusing on Africa’s role in global governance, security and economic development.