Africa's Security Requires Cooperation Among States — Nigerian Vice President

 Africa's security requires cooperation among states, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima stated on September 24 at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"Our collective security requires cooperation on a scale commensurate with the threats we face. We must share intelligence, strengthen institutional capacity, and end the financing of violence," he noted.

Shettima emphasized that no country can fully protect itself from external threats. According to him, the example of the unstable situation in the Sahel demonstrates how the lack of security in one state's territory can threaten neighboring countries.

"Instability in the Sahel illustrates how insecurity in one territory can threaten its neighbors, cause population displacement, and undermine trade, regional integration, and democratic governance," he stated.

The vice president also separately addressed UN reform, calling for granting the continent two permanent seats on the Security Council and five non-permanent seats in the organization.

"Africa cannot continue to follow the Security Council's agenda without permanent membership. Nigeria demands ... at least two permanent seats for Africa ... with veto power, ... and five non-permanent seats," the vice president stated.

Earlier in September, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the absence of permanent representation for African countries on the UN Security Council unjust. Angolan President João Lourenço also called for urgent, in-depth UN reform. The leader of Seychelles expressed support for Africa's position on granting the continent at least two permanent seats on the UN Security Council with veto power.

The UN General Assembly High-Level Week is taking place from September 22 to 28 at the organization's headquarters in New York. The theme of the 81st session of the General Assembly is "Restoring Trust, Governing Transformation: The UN Working for All."