Kofi Annan favours an expansion of the Security Council
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Africa is being urged by Brazil, Germany, Japan and India to bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The four states have themselves launched a joint application for permanent seats and have promised to support each other's case.
"The Security Council must reflect the realities of the international community in the 21st Century," their joint statement said.
The Council's five veto-wielding permanent members are the UK, China, France, Russia and the United States.
The 10 other Council members are chosen for two-year terms by regional groups.
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan is known to favour an expansion of the Council, to enable it to command greater respect - especially in the developing world - and to make it more effective.
Do you believe Africa deserves a permanent seat on the Security Council? How would a nation qualify for a seat? Which African country would get your vote?
Let us know your comments using the form on the right.
A selection of your views will be broadcast on the BBC's Focus on Africa programme on Saturday 25 September 2004.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
It should not be a question of whether Africa deserves or not. It is a must that if the UN is going to continue as a relevant institution, it should include Africa. South Africa, Nigeria and Ethiopia could compete for it. The final decision could be made in consultation with the African Union. In any case the fact that the UN needs a reform is a long overdue project. The choice left for it under the present context is to be reformed or deformed.
Assefa, Utrecht, NL
Maybe two of the larger African countries, say Nigeria and South Africa could share a single seat- switching off every two years or so-
Pete, Ames IA
In principle this is a good idea: an African Voice on the Security Council. I am just worried about making the Security Council of the UN become another General Assembly. Another worry is for African voice not to be manipulated by former powers that colonised the continent.
Dieudonne Mayi, Seattle, USA
No. Africa has contributed nothing to the modern world. Until they clean up their own continent (which will likely never happen), they are the least deserving nations of a permanent seat.
Torsten, Berlin, Germany
Through the Africa Union, it would be great for Africa to get a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, but then, I can imagine how the US and other permanent members would not like that to happen. Come to think of it, chances are the US will always go ahead with whatever they want, even if a veto has been put forward by - let's say - the Africa Union as a permanent member.
Kiplimo arap Murgong, USA/Kenya
Maybe. If Africa was to get a seat on the security council, there's only one option: South Africa. Nigeria has too many human rights issues and is extremely corrupt. South Africa is becoming a major contender in the world and should be given a seat.
Arnie, Finland
If any African country demonstrated some value to the world, this might be more supportable. However, they support a disasterous dictator in Zimbabwe, and have been unable to assist the victims of Darfur. When African armies intervene (as in Zaire/DRC0) they loot, rather than assist. Additionally, we should not forget that Kofi Annan was head of UN peacekeeping operations when the Rwanda genocide started.
Currently, I cannot see eny sign that any African country deserves a Security Council seat.
BF, London, UK
Absolutely! Africa deserves a permanent seat. Why not? Look at the current peacekeeping operations being undertaken by ECOWAS in West Africa. Furthermore if I'm not mistaken -we Africans ourselves managed to broker a deal for the departure of Charles Taylor from Liberia last year. This has paved the way for a renewed international presence in the country. If Africans can open the doors for an international set-up, they should also have a right to be involved once the international presence has been established.
Amina, Arusha, Tanzania
I think each continent should have a representative on the Security Council that would be elected by the continents other countries for a term of 2 years - but without veto power. I would further suggest that France should be removed from its position of the 5 permanent members and replaced with a nation voted in by the general assembly, again for a 2-year term.
John Brooks, Lake Forest, California, USA
I think Africa needs a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. This should be a straight fight between Nigeria and South Africa. However, the significance of the UN council depends on the members resolution to keep by its rules and stop the habit of veto and going on with their own decision no matter what majority of the council members decide.
John Pastor Ansah, Norway
Yes, Africa deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. I would vote for Zimbabwe though I'm not sure how a country qualifies for a seat.
Tavengwa Bunhu, Durban, South Africa.
Yes, Africa definitely deserves a seat on the Security Council. Africa has been left in the dark long enough, and measures like these can see her come out of the dark into the light, that being more exposed in the international community. Thereby Africa can then start doing some good for the world which, believe it or not, she has been doing for ages. If Africa had to be represented by one country then that should be the most political stable country (with an economy to match) which in Africa is few. South Africa, Nigeria and Botswana would fit that bill, but when push comes to shove South Africa will and probably should take it.
Ryan, London, U.K
Of course Africa should have a UN seat. If 600 million Africans don't deserve a seat at the UN Security Council, then the UN system is a mockery of democracy. Then the next issue is who should get this coveted seat. South Africa or Nigeria - but I am inclined more to South Africa because of its stable democratic institutions and military prowess.
Thomas Nyebirweki, Kampala, Uganda
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