The United Kingdom wants a “permanent African representation” in the United Nations Security Council, the body primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
Ambassador Kate Foster, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, made the call at the Security Council meeting on UN-African Union cooperation.
The diplomat stated that the partnership between both sides is “indispensable” amid deepening conflict and insecurity across parts of the continent.
Foster said terrorism, climate impact, unconstitutional changes of government, and foreign interference are weakening Africa’s stability, widening humanitarian needs, and hindering progress.
The envoy opined that regular engagement between the UN and AU Security Councils and better coordination in the field could yield optimal outcomes.
A reinforced alignment, she argued, can identify risks sooner, strengthen prevention and mediation, and resolve disputes before they escalate.
On Somalia, Foster said continued security transition and realistic liaison between the nation, the AU, troop-contributing countries, and the UN will be essential to protect hard-won gains.
Urging UN-AU alliance in responding to the situation in northern Ethiopia, the UK praised the AU mediation and the UN peacekeeping efforts to aid the U.S.-Qatar diplomacy on DR Congo.
London also praised the UN-AU collaboration on Sudan’s peace process, noting that their fact-finding missions are helping to foster accountability and avoid duplication.
Underscoring the UN-AU progress on UNSCR 2719, the framework for UN support to AU-led peace operations, Foster advocated robust oversight as well as human rights and financial compliance.
“A stronger African Union, in partnership with a stronger United Nations, is essential to meeting the continent’s most pressing peace and security challenges,” the envoy added.
UK seeks permanent African representation in UN Security Council