Russia reaffirms support for Africa’s quest for permanent UNSC representation
Addis Ababa, October 17, 2025 (FMC) – Russia, as the current President of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), has reaffirmed its support for Africa’s longstanding call for permanent representation in the Council, underlining the continent’s underrepresented voice in global decision-making.
The UNSC delegation is in Addis Ababa to hold the annual joint consultative meetings with members of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), aimed at reviewing African peace and security issues and strengthening cooperation between the two councils. The meetings, held on October 16–17, were co-facilitated by Russia and Somalia.
Briefing local and international media on Friday at the African Union Headquarters, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Vassily Nebenzia, highlighted the outcomes of the consultations.
Nebenzia said discussions covered a wide range of African peace and security issues, including terrorism, violence, extremism, the peace and security agenda, and regional concerns such as the Lake Chad Basin, the Gulf of Guinea, and African peace operations. Specific country discussions included Sudan, South Sudan, the Great Lakes region, and other AU zones, with additional references to broader security challenges.
He noted that the UNSC’s October agenda is particularly focused on African matters, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among Security Council members, African representatives, and the European Union to address complex challenges on the continent.
On Africa’s bid for permanent representation in the UNSC, Nebenzia said Russia supports addressing historical underrepresentation and ensuring African nations have a stronger voice in global governance. “Russia supports repairing the historical injustice against Africa, because Africa definitely deserves the proceeds of the council, as well as other developed countries for major work. But Africa, first and foremost, it is clearly underrepresented,” he asserted, adding, “Of course, African aspirations are being recognized by many, but that is a process which does not depend solely on Russia.”
He emphasized that while progress depends on broader international consensus, Russia can help strengthen Africa’s position and advocate for its aspirations. He also highlighted the need for greater representation from the Global South, stressing that Africa’s concerns deserve serious consideration in UNSC deliberations.
On broader peace and security issues, Nebenzia said the UNSC remains committed to maintaining international peace and security. He acknowledged that while media attention often focuses on high-profile crises, the Council reaches agreements on the majority of issues it discusses, including African matters.
Nebenzia addressed Sudan’s ongoing political and humanitarian challenges, noting that separatist claims and the limited reach of humanitarian aid complicate the situation. He said cross-border aid delivery remains insufficient, and some groups do not recognize Port Sudan authorities as the legitimate government. The UNSC and the UN continue to engage through special representatives and Council interventions to support political dialogue and stability.
He also touched on Madagascar, noting that the European Union has temporarily suspended its membership due to policy issues related to Ukraine, while UNSC deliberations on the country are still ongoing and timelines for action remain uncertain.
Looking ahead, Nebenzia outlined Russia’s key events during its UNSC presidency, including an open debate on October 23 involving UN membership, and a briefing on October 24 marking the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, focused on its implementation and future priorities. He described these as signature events of the Russian presidency.
Nebenzia concluded by reaffirming Russia’s commitment to close cooperation with African nations, supporting their concerns at the UN, and promoting effective responses to peace and security challenges on the continent.