The United Kingdom has called for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council, saying a stronger partnership between the UN and African Union is critical to addressing the continent’s growing peace and security challenges.
The UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Kate Foster, made the call on Wednesday at a Security Council meeting on UN-African Union cooperation.
Foster described the partnership between the two organisations as indispensable, particularly amid rising conflicts and insecurity across several parts of Africa.
She identified terrorism, the effects of climate change, unconstitutional changes of government and foreign interference as some of the factors undermining stability on the continent.
According to her, the challenges have also increased humanitarian needs and slowed development across affected countries.
Foster advocated regular engagement between the UN and AU Security Councils, as well as improved coordination of operations in the field, saying such cooperation would produce better outcomes.
She said closer collaboration could help the organisations identify emerging risks early, strengthen conflict prevention and mediation efforts, and resolve disputes before they escalate into full-blown crises.
On Somalia, the UK envoy said continued security transition and practical coordination among the Somali government, the African Union, troop-contributing countries and the UN would be crucial to preserving the gains made in the country.
Foster also called for stronger UN-AU cooperation in addressing the situation in northern Ethiopia, while commending the AU’s mediation efforts and UN peacekeeping initiatives in support of US-Qatar diplomacy on the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She further praised UN-AU collaboration on the Sudan peace process, noting that joint fact-finding missions were contributing to accountability while preventing duplication of efforts.
Speaking on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which provides a framework for UN support to AU-led peace operations, Foster called for strong oversight, including compliance with human rights and financial requirements.
“A stronger African Union, in partnership with a stronger United Nations, is essential to meeting the continent’s most pressing peace and security challenges,” she said.
The UK’s position adds to growing calls for reforms of the UN Security Council to give Africa a permanent voice in decisions on international peace and security.
