Russia has openly backed President William Ruto’s renewed push for reforms at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), amplifying Africa’s demand for permanent representation in the global body’s top decision-making table.
Speaking during the African Union’s “Committee of Ten” summit on the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly in New York, Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy, reaffirmed Moscow’s support for expanding the Council.
“For Russia, this is a matter of exceptional importance,” Polyanskiy stated. “We are convinced that the Security Council must reflect the multipolar structure of the world and not remind us of a colonial past.”
Why does Russia support Africa’s inclusion?
Polyanskiy explained that Russia advocates for the inclusion of more countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America in the UNSC. He stressed that while the Council should expand to mirror today’s geopolitical realities, it must remain compact and effective.
He defended the controversial veto power enjoyed by the five permanent members, calling it essential for maintaining balance and ensuring decisions are grounded in consensus. “The UNSC must reflect a multipolar world, not a colonial past. Veto is a guarantee of balance. Russia remains a reliable partner of Africa,” he said.
Russia also underscored its commitment to Africa, describing itself as a dependable ally ready to champion the continent’s interests globally.
What is Ruto’s stance on UNSC reform?
President Ruto has been one of Africa’s most vocal leaders on UNSC reforms. At the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government, he declared Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership “unacceptable and indefensible.”
“Africa’s exclusion from the United Nations Security Council is unacceptable and indefensible. We must correct this historic injustice to make the UN fit for purpose,” Ruto said in a post on X.
He further urged African leaders to unite behind fair representation, defend the Common African Position, and prepare to take on the responsibilities that come with permanent membership, including a system to choose representatives.
Currently, the UNSC is composed of 15 members: 5 permanent (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) and 10 non-permanent elected for two-year terms. Its resolutions are legally binding, making its decisions some of the most consequential in international diplomacy.
By Lucky Anyanje
