Africa Deserves UN Security Council Representation, Improved Access to Financing - Angola's UN Envoy
AllAfrica
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Angola's Permanent Representative to the UN, Francisco José da Cruz, has called for urgent reform of the United Nations system and comprehensive debt relief for African countries. He emphasized that Africa, representing 54 member states at the UN, is the only continent without permanent representation in the Security Council, describing this as a historical injustice. Da Cruz reiterated Africa's demand for two permanent seats with veto power and two additional non-permanent seats on the Security Council, stressing the importance of unity among African nations to achieve meaningful progress.
The representative highlighted the pressing need for reform of the international financial architecture, noting that Africa's growing debt burden is severely limiting its development prospects. He warned that without meaningful debt relief and improved access to financing on more favorable terms, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will remain out of reach. Da Cruz argued that sustainable development requires a dual approach: reforming global financing systems to ensure fairer access to capital and strengthening internal resource mobilization.
Da Cruz also emphasized the importance of regional integration as a key driver of development in Africa. He cited Ethiopia's success in financing transformative infrastructure projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as an example of how African countries can mobilize domestic resources for development. He urged African nations to adopt a pragmatic, step-by-step approach to continental integration and unity, which he described as critical for advancing both UN reform and financial restructuring.
The representative's call for reform comes amid growing global concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of the UN system, particularly the Security Council. Africa's lack of permanent representation has long been a point of contention, with many arguing that it undermines the continent's ability to influence global decision-making. Da Cruz's appeal for debt relief and equitable financing also resonates with broader international discussions about addressing inequalities in global financial systems.
Ultimately, da Cruz's message underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices and inequities in the global system to ensure a more balanced and sustainable future for Africa and the world. By advocating for reform and unity, he highlights the potential for African countries to play a stronger role in shaping international policies that promote development and fairness.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/20/2026