August 12, 2024
Mr. President,
I wish to thank you for convening this thematic debate on the major issue that is Africa’s representation on the Security Council. I welcome the presence of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and of the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly, Mr. Dennis Francis. That presence bears witness to the importance that we collectively attach to Security Council reform and to Africa’s legitimate aspirations. I would also like to thank Ms Mbete for her speech.
Mr. President,
This reform is eagerly awaited by the vast majority of United Nations member states. France is deeply convinced that an expansion of the Security Council across its 2 membership categories is vital to strengthen its legitimacy and representativeness, while preserving the decision-making capacity of this body, the keystone of our system of collective architecture.
We are convinced that this reform is possible, in accordance with the Charter, even in the absence of absolute consensus, as demonstrated by the previous reform of 1963.
Mr. President,
France’s position is clear, long-held and unwavering : it is abnormal that Africa, which accounts for more than a quarter of UN member states, is not represented among the permanent members of the Security Council. This must, and can, change now.
It was in this vain that we organized, with the participation of the United Nations, the African Union, the C10 and our G4 partners, a round table in Addis Ababa last April on Security Council reform. Reform is possible, and Africa can be its catalyst. To achieve this, we need to engage in concrete negotiations on the basis of a draft resolution, without delay.
We are tirelessly defending this position as part of the IGN process of intergovernmental negotiations. The Summit of the Future on September 22 and 23 offers a unique opportunity to reaffirm this objective. Like the majority of countries, France believes that enlargement in both membership categories and a stronger African presence, including among the permanent members, are necessary to achieve this goal. The text of the Pact for the Future must live up to and reflect this collective ambition.
Mr. President,
I would also like to conclude my speech on the question of the veto. Since 2015, France has been jointly leading an initiative with Mexico separate from Security Council reform, which does not require a Charter amendment. It aims to frame the use of the veto in cases of mass atrocities.
The aim of this initiative is twofold: to consolidate the legitimacy of the Security Council, and to strengthen its ability to fully assume its responsibilities in the maintenance of international peace and security. Current crises in which the Security Council is deadlocked demonstrate the relevance of this initiative, which is already supported by 106 States from all regions of the world. We call on all those who have not yet done so to support this initiative, to join it, in order to get things moving forward.
Thank you.