Turkey Demands End to UN Veto as Africa Seeks Permanent Seats

Turkey called for abolishing the UN Security Council veto system on September 22. This demand coincides with Africa’s ongoing fight for two permanent seats.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made the remarks during a UN General Assembly address in New York. He argued that five nations currently hold too much influence over global decisions.

Turkey challenges the current veto system

Erdoğan stated that a system where 190 countries are subject to five is unjust. He believes this structure prevents the council from commanding trust among members.

The US, China, Russia, France, and the UK hold permanent seats. These five nations can block substantive resolutions using their veto power.

Africa seeks equal representation at the table

African leaders have pushed for this change for decades. They want at least two permanent seats with the same privileges as existing members.

According to Business Insider Africa, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa cited 1.4 billion people excluded from decisions. Kenya’s President William Ruto also called for urgent institutional reform.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres supported this view. He described a 21st-century council without African seats as unjust and indefensible.

Major powers remain divided on reform

Russia supports expansion but wants to keep the veto system. The US backs African seats but opposes extending veto powers to new members.

China supports greater African representation but has not backed new vetoes. This leaves a gap between African demands and major power positions.