Raila Odinga calls for Africa’s inclusion in the United Nation’s Security Council.
Kenya’s Former PM Raila Odinga has provided strong justification for Africans to be granted two non permanent veto seats in the United Nations Security Council if he becomes the AU Commission Chairman in February 2025.
In the Mjadala Afrika debate held at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Raila underlined that the non-membership of Africa in the UNSC weakens the continent’s input within the central decisions related to international security.
Main Issues from Raila’s Proposal
The Structure and Working of UNSC, Veto Power
Raila said that Africa having no seat as permanent UNSC member is colonial hangover that leaves most African states as colonial mortuary.
He remains unyielding that Africa’s 55 nations deserve two permanent seats with voting right and voice, and with veto right to protect their interests.
There are three representatives from Europe and there are no representantives from Africa. This proportion is unprecedented,” Raila said.
Reflections of Vision of President William Ruto
This statement of Raila is inline with President William Ruto’s calls for reshaping the global economic and financial structures. In the past Ruto has criticized Africans as being deemed as high risk borrowers even with the continent endowed with natural resources and has called for the African Union Commission to lead on economic diplomacy.
Amendment of the international financial system
Raila condemned the international financial system, which, according to him, imposes unreasonably high interest rates for African countries.
He recommended establishment of African financial triangle of development that will offer member state low interest funding to unlock their potentials.
Africa filled with natural resources but lacking in living conditions. He further said, “There is a huge imbalance here, which requires us to reform the international financing systems.”
Speaking during the breakfast meeting in May 2024 Ruto called for the construction of fairer international development finance architecture and the transition of the AU from its being liberation bona fide organization to one that responds to today’s challenges.
The Larger Vision
Both leaders are advocating for Africa to be a more active member in the global governance structures which is a typical African agenda in security, finances and development.
In case Raila ascends to the AUC Chairpersonship his lobbying additional UNSC representation and paragon for fiscal reformation may become a watershed in Africa map within the international system.