AFRICA cannot continue to be affected by decisions of the United Nations Security Council while having no permanent seat at the table.
This was shared by His Majesty King Mswati III when reporting on his recent trip to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York at Ludzidzini Royal Residence on Wednesday.
He renewed Africa’s call for permanent representation on the UN Security Council, saying reform of the powerful body was among the issues discussed during the General Assembly.
The king said the UN had changed significantly since its formation, with an increase in both the number of Member States and the size of their economies.
He was responding to a question from Plush Communications Director Lead Consultant Sifiso Dhlamini, who asked whether the UN was showing signs of taking note of the Ezulwini Consensus and Africa’s long-standing campaign for permanent representation.
The Ezulwini Consensus is Africa’s common position on UN reform, including its demand for permanent representation on the Security Council.
The king said the major challenge remained securing agreement among UN Member States, particularly the five permanent members of the Security Council, which have veto powers.
He said the current arrangement was problematic because the five permanent members could make decisions affecting Africa while the continent remained without permanent representation on the Security Council.
The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Despite the lack of agreement, the king said Africa had not abandoned its campaign.
“All regions therefore needed representation in the Security Council if it is to meet the needs of all countries. Africa membership has been going on for a long time. These are the countries that should push and agree in one voice. To this day they have not.
“We have not lost all hope. Even pastors preach until there are converts, likewise we hope that our preaching in this regard will be heard and a positive response received,” said the king.
Eswatini gets UN support for SADC role
THE United Nations has pledged its support to Eswatini following the country’s assumption of the SADC Troika Organ Chairmanship.
His Majesty King Mswati III said Eswatini presented its new regional responsibility during the UN General Assembly in New York, where the country was wished well in its role.
He said the UN committed to supporting Eswatini as it leads the SADC Troika Organ, which deals with matters relating to peace and security in the region.
“As Africa, we made our presentation and hope that there will be interventions thereafter to improve Africa. The UN wished us well and committed to supporting us,” he said.
The king noted that the UN’s work extended beyond peace and security to a wide range of issues affecting countries and regions across the world. He said the organisation continued to address conflicts in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, among other regions.
Health was also a major area of focus, he said, referring to a continental health conference held in Eswatini, which highlighted challenges affecting countries across Africa, including shortages of medicines and health personnel.
