Ethiopia is aspiring to get a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) with the intention of hoping to be the voice of Africa, reports said on Friday.In an exclusive interview with Ethiopian News Agency, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said since the East African country is already backed by all members of the African Union and many other countries in Europe and Asia, the probability for Ethiopia of getting a seat at UNSC is high.
Acquiring a seat at UNSC will enable Ethiopia to create a better understanding at the UN on issues pertaining to the Horn of Africa and the African continent at large, the Premier said.
Ethiopia is trying to bring about stability in the region as it is of crucial importance for the peaceful development of the country, Hailemariam added.
“I think this is a very high time. Our presence in the UN Security Council is very essential for the continent and for the Horn of Africa. That’s why Ethiopia strives to go for this seat.â€� he said.
Africa has been striving to get two permanent seats at the United Nations Security Council. The process however is not easy, as the countries who have permanent seats at the Council want to retain the status quo, Hailemariam added.
“We say that the status quo is not sustainableâ€� he added, urging for a change and the need for Africa’s voice to be heard at a permanent level in the Council.
Expecting the continuation of the resistance for some years in the future, the Prime Minister said the struggle to get the seats should and will continue.
Expecting the continuation of the resistance for some years in the future, the Prime Minister said the struggle to get the seats should and will continue.
“I believe that it [the struggle] will continue for some years to come and it will not be easy to achieve this within the foreseeable future. Of course we shouldn’t stop struggling as nothing is granted for free. We have to struggle to get this seat we deserve for Africa.â€�
Ethiopia’s candidature for a non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council was endorsed at the 26th Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of States and Governments Summit held in Addis Ababa in January 2016.
Ethiopia, a significant contributor of troops to UN peace keeping missions, second in the world, announced the country’s bid for a seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2017–18 terms in 2015.
Source: http://en.starafrica.com/
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