President William Ruto has criticised world leaders at the United Nations for consistently sidelining Africa in global decision-making. He warned that Africa would no longer accept being treated as an observer on issues that directly impact its people and future.
Speaking during the General Assembly Debate at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday evening, Ruto delivered a sharp critique of the current global governance architecture, particularly the structure and functioning of the UN Security Council.
"You cannot claim to be the United Nations while disregarding the voice of 54 nations. It is not possible," Ruto declared.
“Africa is no longer willing to wait on the margins of global governance while decisions on peace, security and development are made without our understanding, perspective and voices.”
The President described the current exclusion of Africa from permanent membership at the Security Council as outdated, saying it was a threat to the credibility and survival of the UN itself.
He went on, “Reforming the council is not a favour, it is a necessity for the United Nations' own survival,” he said. “If the UN is to remain relevant, it must remain up to speed with current realities.”
President Ruto pointed out that although African issues dominate the UN Security Council’s agenda, Africa remains the only continent without a permanent seat at the table.
He therefore called for the allocation of at least two permanent seats with full rights, including veto power and additional non-permanent seats for African nations.
Using the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti as a prime example, Ruto exposed the failures of the current system within the UN, as he claimed Kenya initially joined the mission knowing it would be a combined effort from other superpowers.
Despite Kenya's commitment to the Haiti cause, the mission has continued to grapple with a spate of issues, including underfunding and inadequate security personnel. Ruto, in his speech, estimated that only 40 per cent of the mission's intended personnel were currently battling gangs in Port Au Prince.
“Haiti became a reminder of what happens when the international community looks away. When Kenya responded, it was because we believed we were joining a multinational effort," Ruto went on.
The President further emphasised that with the UN celebrating its 80th anniversary, it was high time the body experienced wholesome changes to secure its full functionality.
Beyond his unapologetic criticism of the UN, Ruto was also recognised on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly by UN-Habitat as a Global Champion for adequate housing for all, thanks to his Affordable Housing push.
