You Can’t Be Talking About Africa Without Africans, Hichilema Tells UN Security Council

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on members of the diplomatic corps to support Africa’s inclusion on the United Nations Security Council, saying it is unjust to continue making decisions about the continent without African representation.

Speaking at the 2026 Presidential Annual Greetings for Membersof the Diplomatic Corps in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema said Africa must have a seat at the table where global security matters are discussed, noting that the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects today’s world.

He said many African countries were excluded from global decision making from as far back as 1945 because they were not yet independent.

The President urged diplomats to relay Africa’s call to their respective capitals, stressing that the continent cannot continue making the same request for decades without meaningful response.

“Africa has to sit on that council. We can’t be talking about the same thing over and over. Please pass messages to your capitals that the world has changed, the composition of the world has changed, from 1945 and beyond to now. Africa has to sit at the table where security issues are discussed,” he said.

“You really can’t be talking about Africa without us. How do you hear our circumstances and considerations? How do you decide for us on your own?” he asked.

He said Africa’s demand for representation is genuine and should be taken seriously, warning that continued inaction suggests that the continent’s concerns are being ignored.

The President also reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action and development financing.