Zambia has told the United Nations General Assembly that Africa's continued exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council-and its underrepresentation in the non-permanent category-is neither equitable nor sustainable.

Zambia said the situation cannot be justified given the continent's size and the Security Council's impact on international peace and security. The call came during the General Assembly debate on Agenda Item 122.

At United Nations Headquarters in New York, the General Assembly debated Agenda Item 122-titled "Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council.

Following submissions by Sierra Leone, Zambia spoke on behalf of regional states and pressed for closure to a debate that has now stretched nearly eight decades.

Zambia underscored that Africa's continued exclusion from permanent membership, coupled with its underrepresentation in the non-permanent category, is neither equitable nor sustainable-given the continent's size and the Council's impact on international peace and security.

“Africa's continued exclusion from permanent membership, coupled with its underrepresentation in the non-permanent category, is neither equitable nor sustainable.”

Zambia's intervention adds to mounting calls for reform of the 15-member Security Council-comprising five permanent members with veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Zambia and other regional states argue that the current structure no longer reflects today's world-and that the time for debate must give way to action.

Zambia's call comes as the General Assembly continues its discussions on equitable representation and the expansion of the Security Council, though no timeline has been set for concrete reform.