Nigeria's Defence Minister Calls for Africa's UN Seat

Nigeria's Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, addressed the 79th UN General Assembly, advocating for Africa's permanent representation on the UN Security Council. He highlighted Nigeria's significant contributions to international peace, with over 200,000 troops deployed in 41 peacekeeping missions since 1960, including efforts in troubled regions like Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. Badaru argued that reforming the Security Council to include permanent African seats is vital for equitable representation and global stability. He also underscored the necessity of strengthening African military forces to combat terrorism, calling for the activation of the African Standby Force. Additionally, he warned against the proliferation of small arms in conflict areas, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation to address these challenges.